Anachronism

Wednesday, 16 June, 3:00 PM

Severus sat staring at the small wooden box. It had been a month since he had found it hidden in the tiles under his desk and he had yet to figure out how to open it. He'd tried blood magic, passwords, spells, potions, and brute force. It wasn't the only area where he had failed to make any progress. The numeric code couldn't be cracked even though he had gone through Shakespeare, Milton, Blake, Wordsworth, Clare, Keats, Tennyson, Kipling, and Wilde. He was beginning to suspect that the key couldn't be found in poetry, but the phrase, 'The truth—it is unutterable' was too vague to know give any indication where to look.

A thorough search of the house had revealed Potter's porn stash, a large safe with copies of identity, property and business documentation, Kreacher's secret store of rubbish, but nothing that could give him a clue toward solving the mystery of his illness or his abnormal recovery.

Endell's notes were equally worthless in that respect. Although fascinating to read from a theoretical perspective, most of his potions had been inferior to potions using wizarding ingredients. The poison was the only potion of note, and that had taken him years to develop, at least twenty from Severus's calculations. Why Endell had insisted on using only Muggle ingredients escaped him as well. A man of such genius and cunning could have revolutionised the field of brewing. If he hated the wizarding world, why kill just Muggles? Perhaps Endell had viewed them only as good subjects for experiments, a more advanced version of rhesus macaques.

The door to the potions lab opened. Severus shoved the box in his sleeve, gripped his wand, and sneaked over to peer through the open crack in the office door, using a conjured mirror.

Potter was in his lab. The boy meandered down the aisles, heading towards a wall stocked full of ingredients. As Severus watched from his concealed spot in the office, Potter selected jars from the shelves and carried them over to a far workbench. The distance from the office to the end of the lab with the fire pits was too far for him to be able to make out what the boy was doing, even if Potter's back hadn't been turned towards the door. After a few minutes, the heavy thunk of a knife falling against a cutting board alerted Severus to the fact that Potter was preparing to brew a potion, but there was no way to guess which one it was.

As much as he wanted to stay hidden behind the door, the need to prevent the fool from blowing up the lab compelled Severus to step out. Quietly, swiftly, he moved through the door, pushing it open only enough to pass through, but the slight movement turned Potter's head.

"Oh!" said Potter, his hand pausing over the chopping board. "I didn't realise you were here. I'll be finished soon. I'm brewing a commission for Neville—our own blend of tessaricarpa fertiliser. When we feed them this, they bloom twice as big." He turned back to finish his chopping.

Severus had no idea what tessaricarpa was, much less what could be used as fertiliser for it. He covered up his ignorance with disdain. "You'd better not attribute any part of that concoction to me."

"I won't," promised Potter as he dumped the contents on his cutting board into a cauldron. "Speaking of plants-" Potter glanced over at Severus as he placed the cutting board back on the workbench. "-I was in our greenhouse today, and I noticed that it's about time for our Dipterocarps to be masting. We should probably get on that if we intend to collect this cycle."

Severus did not know what the bloody hell Potter was on about, so he adopted a more neutral expression. "I see."

"I figure...." said Potter, leaning forward to focus on his work. He had somehow learnt to dice the thrombera roots instead of mangling them and now lowered the knife with an almost ritual precision. "....that you have been too busy to bother with managing the microclimates and I don't know enough about it to do it myself. We had Neville consult on setting them up, and I'm sure he'll be happy to get them back in order while you spend your time on more important things. He'll not be able to start until after the Hogwarts staff go on holiday since he's training under Professor Sprout, but that's not too far away." Potter sprinkled Doxy wings on the potion and stirred the mixture.

Microclimates! Why hadn't he thought of that before? It was ingenious. Provided you understood the native environment, you could grow a plant anywhere in the world as long as the right microclimate was maintained. Herbology had never been a focus of his, but he knew it was typical to use potions and spells to make up for whatever the plant lacked in its transplanted environment. With microclimates, there would be less of a need to feed the flora potions that could alter the composition of the plants.

Without the Dark Lord's shadow hanging over him, Severus had become quite the inventor. Watching Potter to try to catch him in a mistake, Severus said, "Hire Longbottom. I have neither the time nor the inclination to bother with the greenhouse now." Once he learnt more about microclimates and the species of plants they kept, then he would manage the greenhouse.

Without any knowledge of how the fertilizer worked, Severus was forced to do nothing more than glower at Potter while the boy finished his recipe without a single mistake in basic ingredient preparation. He even properly stripped the kappa eyes without damaging the lens. Severus knew he had the ability to teach Potions remarkably well, but he'd never imagined that he could have taught a dunderhead like Potter to become so proficient in the art of brewing. The boy was far from perfect. His Niffler Berry extraction technique left a fair amount of juice in the berries, and his dicing was still a bit haphazard, but none of his errors were ones that would ruin the potion. Severus had been hoping he'd catch Potter in a mistake and be able to pounce on it, but the disappointment at the lack of an opportunity for snarking soon faded.

Six years had always seemed to be an extraordinarily long time ever since he had awoke. Now, as he watched Potter use Pele's Tears to manipulate the heat of the cauldron, six years didn't seem nearly long enough for Potter to have learnt the intricacies and delicacies of potion making that he now saw him demonstrate. But even more amazing than how quickly he had trained the boy, was the knowledge that Potter had bothered to learn. Severus knew he could have properly taught Potter at Hogwarts if the boy hadn't been such an arrogant prick who refused to follow simple instructions. Potter had said they'd hated each other in the early years, but it appeared he'd still behaved himself long enough for Severus to tolerate him in the lab, much less teach him. What had happened over the years to turn the arrogant boy into the perfect student?

After Potter had bottled his potion, he turned, gave a smile, and said, "I'll see you at dinner," then left.

Although Potter had scrubbed out the cauldron and cleaned the workspace, Severus was determined to sanitise everything the brat had touched. Only when he was sure that Potter had not contaminated the cauldron, he left the lab to head to the library. He would not tolerate Potter knowing more than him. He would read every book on microclimates the library had.

Phineas and Paracelsus both returned to their portraits once they saw Severus sit at his desk.

Without preamble, Paracelsus asked with a grin, "Have you fucked Harry yet?"

It was a shame portraits could only be destroyed, not punished. Although, at the rate Paracelsus bothered him about Potter, he was tempted to tear the canvas apart. In the same tone that had once made a first-year wet himself, Severus hissed, "I fail to see how that is any of your concern."

Paracelsus harrumphed. "You've been in a right mood since you've returned. It's been too long since you've slept with Harry."

"Severus," said Phineas, cutting off Severus's retort before he could begin, "it is unlike you to alienate your greatest ally. Does the boy not have the ear of everyone important in the Ministry? Can he not obtain nearly anything you desire? If you continue down this path, you'll lose him, and you'll not be able to brew even half of your favourite potions. Do you think that you have permission to obtain restricted ingredients?"

A true Slytherin, Phineas understood the heart of the matter. "If I can obtain those benefits without...." Severus sneered. "...doing anything with Potter, then I see no reason to change that. Of course, he'll tire eventually and by then, I'll have full control of my assets and enough understanding of this time to no longer require his aid. Brewing is not my only passion. I've always wanted to travel, and I intend to do so."

Phineas snorted. "You may—for a short while. But, you've always attached yourself to powerful wizards. I doubt that has changed."

"I've changed." Severus flicked his wand, creating a bubble of silence around his desk.

Monday, 5 July, 6:30 PM

Severus bottled and stoppered the vial, then set it on the shelf along with the others. That was the last. He had finished brewing each of the potions he had found in Endell's notes, including a generic version of the poison. Although he'd not made any progress in solving the mystery, replicating Endell's work had been a fascinating experience and he wanted to try brewing with more Muggle chemicals. He would have to order some.

So far, Potter hadn't asked him to contribute to the household bills, even though it had been almost two months since he had awoke. He was more than happy to spend all his time researching, but he knew that more research would require money, and Potter, wealthy though he might be, would not be able to support the lab all on his own. He needed to help Potter earn money.

The commissions were found on Potter's desk along with the cost and selling prices. Potter had only picked up seven and, although Severus did not recognise a few of the potions by name, each ingredient and amount was tabulated in the cost. His own lab notes contained the missing necessary details, and he set up the lab to brew.

He was halfway through the Barbudalus Potion when Potter arrived. The Auror robes had already been replaced with a tight sea-green T-shirt and blue jeans.

"Let me know when you're finished," he said from the doorway. "I have a list of commissions I need to brew."

"I am brewing those," Severus told him, his attention focused on his work.

"Really?" Potter's voice rose in surprise as he entered the room. "You're not required to if you don't want to."

Arching an eyebrow at him, Severus said, "And let you ruin the reputation of our company? I think not."

Potter grinned. "Just tell me what you want me to do." He swept across the room, joining Severus at the worktable.

Severus paused. There was that scent again. It was the same intoxicating scent from Endell's lab. The one Lupin had known about.

Severus struck.

One hand captured Potter's wrist, slamming it against the table, the other gripped Potter's neck. Severus leant inwards, using his weight to force Potter to bend backwards over the worktable. Potter stared up at Severus but made no move to escape. "What-?" he gasped out.

Severus leant on his captive, pinning him in place. He growled, "That scent. What is it?"

Eyebrows darting together, Potter frowned. "My cologne? You always liked it before."

Cologne? No cologne could smell that damn good. He wanted to bury his nose in Potter's stupid hair. He wanted to hold the boy tight against his body and just breathe him in. He squeezed harder. "Where did you get it?"

Limp against the table, Potter said, "You gave it to me for my birthday two years ago. I don't know where you bought it." His eyes grew wide and brightened, the green even more vivid than usual. Even with Severus's hand still clamped over his neck, a huge smile appeared on his face. "You like it, don't you? You remember it!" Spreading his legs, he ground his groin up against Severus's, his erection hard enough to be felt through Severus's many layers of cloth.

The feel of it sent heat bursting through Severus's body like molten lava and swept away his control. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. He needed to escape. He needed to get away from that seductive scent. He released his grip and stumbled backwards.

Like a Muggle mouse trap, Potter shot up and snapped his legs and arms around Severus, yanking him back against him. Gasping, Severus shot out his hands to catch himself. When did the boy get so bloody strong?

"Fuck, Severus," Potter moaned, his hands clawing over and down Severus's chest. "I want you so bad."

Frozen in place, caught off guard by a situation he had never, ever, envisioned, Severus could do nothing but growl, "Potter-"

"I want to suck you," said Potter, his cheeks flushed, his eyes glazed, his legs tight around Severus. "Just- Let me taste you. It's been so long."

Trying to catch his breath, Severus shoved him back against the table, grinding him into the marble. Merlin, he smelt so fucking good! Leaning forward to get a huge whiff, he hissed, "You freak."

Even though Severus had Potter’s shoulders pinned, hot fingers stroked his abdomen. He could feel Potter's hands moving lower. Before Severus could stop him, Potter's hand rubbed firmly over his covered dick. It had been years since he'd felt another hand stroke his cock—even through his clothes—and all conscious thought fled for a moment. His cock and Potter's hand were the only things left in existence. He barely stifled a groan as it tried to escape his lips. As much as he tried to stop it, his cock burst to life, filling at the warmth of Potter's hand.

"Please. Please. Let me suck you," Potter was begging, writhing on the table. "I need it."

Severus punched him. His aim off due to the odd angle, his fist only glanced Potter's left cheek, but it was enough for Potter to release him. Severus flew to the other end of the lab and straightened his clothes, his fingers shaking as he shoved a button back into its hole.

Potter lay sprawled out on the table, facing away from him. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice low. "I shouldn't have done that."

"You are a sick, filthy child!" spat Severus before he stormed out of the lab and strode to his room. Once the doors were shut and wards erected, when he was sure he couldn't possibly be interrupted, he locked himself in the bathroom and pulled out his dick. He was only erect because another person had touched him. He only wrapped his hand around his thick length and wanked himself furiously because he'd not masturbated since he'd woke almost two months before. When he came with a groan, the pleasure overwhelming his body and consciousness, Potter wasn't the reason for it at all.

7:27 PM

At dinner, Potter acted as if nothing had happened, and Severus, glad to pretend it had never occured, did likewise.

"We receive hundreds of commissions in the post each week," said Potter as he cut into his roast chicken. "Shall I leave them in the office?"

"Yes," agreed Severus in the same neutral tone. "Remove all the potions that are a waste of my time."

Potter shrugged. "In the past we've agreed to brew everything, but charge an exorbitant fee for the simple potions that can be mass produced."

Severus couldn't help but smirk. "How exorbitant?"

A conspiratorial smile played about Potter's lips. "However much you want. I can show you past prices we've charged, I keep a copy of each of our responses. Most of the time, they refuse to pay, but we have had a few orders at those prices. There's one witch who'll not drink any healing potions but ours. She's mental."

Severus could see himself doing the same.

Putting down his fork, Potter leant forward. "I noticed from the new ingredients you purchased that you brewed the poisoner's potions. It's the first time you've done that, you only looked at the theory before. I tried, but I couldn't brew them myself. How did you get the cornflour to mix into his mental acuity potion?"

Severus held back his smile. Despite all the tutoring and improvement, Potter was nowhere near his level. Even with all the additional knowledge, there were still fields where he had Potter outmatched. Letting the pride show in his voice, Severus said, "Simple, you don't add it to the boiling liquid in the cauldron-"

"I know, I mixed it with cool water first. However, cornflour and water creates a non-Newtonian fluid. I can't stir it properly when the viscosity keeps changing."

The almost-eager way Potter discussed potions was not something Severus could have ever imagined before. The years had changed Potter in many ways. Glad to have someone with whom he could share his passion for brewing, Severus set down his utensils. "I'll explain from the beginning."

Saturday 10th July 7:08 AM

Severus stared at his erection. Since the incident in the potions lab, his libido had attacked him with a vengeance. Unlike most people, lust had never controlled him. He had seen too many classmates do stupid things under the influence of their sexual desires and had sworn he would never do the same. Even during his teenage years, when his body had been most disobedient, he'd still controlled and restricted his urges. Even Lily, with all her beauty and charm, had never distracted him from his work once he'd set his mind to it.

Now, he woke every morning with his penis at full-mast. He tried ignoring it, but unlike before, it kept demanding his attention throughout the day. He tried fixing the matter with a quick wank, but, if anything, that made the problem worse. The only consolation was that his revived fifteen-year-old libido did not necessarily react around Potter. Still, too often thoughts about Potter on his knees, begging for cock, filtered through his head. He didn't know of a way to distract himself. His normal method of burying himself in lab work didn’t work at all now.

Perhaps he should run some blood tests. He had already sneaked into Potter's room, found the cologne, and tested it. It did not smell nearly as intoxicating when in the bottle, compared to on Potter's skin. He ran every single test, but it was nothing more than cologne. Still, there were other ways he could have been slipped a lust enhancer. After a wank in the shower (where he thought of everything but Potter), breakfast, and a perusal of the morning's post, Severus made his way to the lab.

Even though Potter visited to help him brew and work on all the simplistic potions Severus refused to make, the lab and the bedroom were the only territories in the house Severus claimed as his own. The tower felt too foreign, and the library held the nosy portraits, both of whom encouraged him to sleep with the boy.

Although Phineas's arguments made sense, Potter, despite how much he had changed, was still Potter.

Besides, there was still the matter of the escort. Busy with the mystery of Endell, Severus had not had nearly enough time or inclination to study the mysteries of Potter, but locating the escort seemed a near impossible task. Magic could not be cast through phone lines and the man refused to give any further information unless pictures and details were e-mailed to him. Severus had learnt that e-mail was a Muggle invention involving computers and something called 'the internet', but after visiting a Muggle internet cafe, he only managed to figure out how to set up an e-mail account.

None of that mattered nearly as much as the more pressing issues at hand. Severus tested himself for any sort of love or lust potion. Several hours worth of work revealed nothing. He had not been drugged. His enhanced lust, his attraction to Potter, was natural.

Severus shivered.

It made sense. He had fucked the boy in the past, so of course he would have reactions when smelling him or being in close contact with him. As he stared glumly at the result of his latest test, Potter knocked on the door with the same heavy, quick rap of the knuckles he always used.

Severus waved the door open with his wand, his eyes still focused on the results.

Potter remained in the doorway. "I'll be having a few mates over to play Quidditch. I noticed you tossed your charity ball invitation in the rubbish bin."

Apparently, Severus had attended the infernal events in the past, as he had received a lot of invitations. "And?"

"I know you hate them, but we get a lot of potion clients that way. Besides, Ginny is hosting this one, it won't be too bad."

What had Potter ever seen in that slag? "A ball held by a Weasley sounds like my idea of hell."

Potter sighed. "Very well. I'll see you at dinner." He shut the door behind him.

No matter whatever else happened in the day, they spent every dinner with each other. Potter would even arrive from other events, spend the two hours with Severus, then return to his previous obligation. Those dinners were why Severus needed to put a stop to this hormonal nonsense immediately. He was able to control himself in Potter's presence now, but if this were the result of unconscious memories of their past relationship emerging like he suspected, then it would only grow worse with time. Soon he would not be able to sit across the table from Potter without getting an erection and fantasizing various scenarios with the brat.

He needed to work fast.

3:56 PM

Severus added a few more ingredients to his libido-dampening potion. It was almost finished, and soon, he wouldn't have to worry about his old attraction to Potter resurfacing.

Although the potions lab was incredibly well-stocked, it was missing several common, typical herbs. After searching all the storerooms, Severus realised that they were supposed to be gathered fresh from the garden and dried by hand. It was a superior method of brewing, but even at Hogwarts he had relied on dried herbs as a time-saving method.

Setting his cauldron on a low simmer, he was halfway to the door when a thought struck him. He had no idea where the plants were located in the garden. The very garden where Potter and his friends were playing. The garden that was at least half the size of the lake at Hogwarts. He could hunt all day without finding the necessary herbs, and the last thing he wanted to display to Potter and his friends was ignorance.

Desperation to finish the potion warred with his desire to wait until after Potter had left. For several minutes, he stood in his lab, agonizing. No. He would not let Potter scare him from what was rightfully his. Besides, he needed to know what plants were in the garden. He Summoned a quill and clean scroll and marched outside.

The boys were playing over at the farthest end of the garden from the Potions lab. With patience he didn't feel, he walked amongst the rows of plants, writing down each type of flora as he passed it. He occasionally stopped and prodded them as if checking to see if they were still in good condition. It only took a few minutes before the Quidditch players took note and zoomed toward him. He ignored them by pretending to check the conditions on a patch of tendriculos seedlings until Potter hopped off his broom a few yards away, his friends following close behind.

"D'you- need anything?" Potter asked, panting, and Severus allowed himself to look.

They were all shirtless. Potter, Ronald Weasley, Bill Weasley, the twins, and a dark-haired man named Adam whom Severus vaguely remembered from the Malfoy's party. As much as he tried not to stare at Potter's nakedness, it was hard to avoid it. The boy was dripping in sweat, his skin glistening in the sunlight. His torn cargo shorts hung low on his hips, the tops of his pale blue boxers visible. Crimson seared his cheeks and brightened his wet chest.

"No," Severus managed to say, tearing his eyes away from the sweat dripping down Potter's heaving pectorals.

Severus knew that Potter had developed a masculine physique, but contrasted to the other boys, his body was beyond compare. Ronald and Bill both had a bit of pudge around their waists. The twins were thin but rather lanky, as if they were still growing even at their age and heights. Adam had the body of a professional Quidditch player, but he had more bulk than Severus preferred. His chest was too blocky and stout, and his torso lacked the svelte quality of Potter's physique. He stood near Potter and as Severus recalled from the party, he had spent most of the evening in Potter's vicinity. Was he interested in Potter?

"It's good to see you, Professor," said one of the twins, taking a few hesitant steps forward. "We're hoping you'll do some more commissions for us. The products we made with your help were amazing."

The idea that he would ever be responsible for anything in that deplorable shop produced a glare at the twin, but Potter spoke before Severus could.

"We'll be over there." He pointed as if Severus hadn't seen them flying earlier. "If you need anything, or we're in your way, let us know." Licking his lips, he grabbed onto the broom floating above his right shoulder, and pulled himself on top of it, doing a flip to right himself. He soared off, his friends following shortly behind.

Returning to his task, Severus tried to focus. Potter worked as an Auror and in the lab. How on earth had he developed such a perfect specimen of a body? Surely not by playing that stupid game. Was that what he looked like in bed? Sweaty and flushed with his hair tousled and- No. Severus shook his head to clear it. He needed the arousal-dampening potion and fast. If he couldn't find the herbs by the time the sun set, he would order them. It was too dangerous to wait.

7:00 PM

Despite the fact that the game ended at 6:45, Potter arrived at dinner freshly showered and tastefully dressed in trousers and a clean T-shirt. The T-shirt wasn't tight like usual, but Severus couldn't think of anything but the naked torso hidden beneath the cloth. He didn't know why he was so obsessed with seeing Potter shirtless and sweaty again. Even without the libido potion, his groin was quiescent. Yet, throughout the meal, all he wanted to do was march over there, peel the shirt off the boy, and gaze at his chest again.

He had become a dirty old man.

Oblivious to Severus's lecherous gaze, Potter chatted on about the twins and their desire to hire the two of them for research. "They'll own the rights to the final products," Potter said between bites. He hurried through his food as if he were afraid it would disappear before he had a chance to eat it all. "But we'll get a nice percentage of the profits in addition to our research fees. I know they weren't much in 1998, but they have shops on four continents now, including three in the UK alone. It's just not joke stuff either, although they still do a lot of that. I reviewed their finances before I took out a few personal loans from them, so I know they are good."

Loans? If Potter couldn't pay his debt, it would be drawn from the company fund.

Seeing Severus's dismay, Potter hastened to add, "Don't worry, I made them unofficial to avoid anything happening to our shared account. They won't be paying me, they'll be paying the company. Anything left over after all the company debts are paid is shared between us. I'll use my profits to pay them back."

He had never studied finance, but unless Potter had been very careful, money would be drawn from both their accounts. "How much have you borrowed?"

Potter shrugged and focused on his meal. "It doesn't matter, I hired a lawyer. You've not got to worry about it."

If Potter wouldn't look him in the eyes, he had to worry. "Potter..." he growled, "how much do you owe?"

Raising his head, his eyes steady, Potter said, "Fifty thousand galleons. But-"

"Fifty thousand?!" roared Severus. "Fifty thousand galleons?"

Wincing at Severus's loud tone, Potter said, "I can pay it back!"

"With your work as an Auror?" Severus stared down his nose at the boy. "Don't lie to me, Potter. I know the average salary."

"No, with these brewing contracts, we-"

Typical. Another wizard who wanted him only for what he could provide. "Brewing contracts that you would not receive without my aid. I don't care how much you've improved, you are not the reason why people want our creations." Severus threw down his serviette and stood. "Of all the people I ever expected to bring me back to life to help them escape from debt, you were the last." He turned on his heel and strode to the door.

"Fuck you!" Potter shoved back his chair and chased after Severus, his trainers pounding against the marble of the library floor. "Why d'you think I went into debt? Who'd you think I spent that money on?"

"Blaming it on me?" Severus slammed open the library doors and marched through. "How typical."

"It's my debt! What does it matter? Severus!" Potter grabbed Severus's arm.

Severus whirled around and shoved his wand into Potter's chest. "It matters that one as powerful as you should never be in debt to anyone. It matters that our fortunes are linked. It matters once you require me to pay it back."

Potter lifted his chin, his eyes firm. "I won't. I can sell my name. It'll take me longer, but I can pay it back."

"You'd love to do that, you attention whore. You might as well sell your body," said Severus, and Potter stiffened, his eyes widening and his grip relaxing enough for Severus to rip his arm away. "It's the only thing you'll ever be good for."

As if someone had pulled a stopper, Potter's face drained of colour. His eyes narrowed and he asked, "How would you know? As far as you know, you've not tried it yet!"

"I don't need to," said Severus coldly, sneering at the boy. "I've seen enough."

"Have you?" Potter's eyes glittered with malice. He reached up and ripped off his shirt, throwing it back over his head. As Severus watched, astonished, he bent down and tore off his shoes, using magic to cut through the laces. He tossed his trainers to the side and dropped his trousers and pants, kicking them away from him. He stood there: naked but for his socks. Severus could do nothing but stare at the exposed flesh, feast his eyes on the body bared before him.

He had seen Potter naked before when he'd spied on him, but it had been in the dark and Potter had been across the room. Outside in the garden, he had been trying to look elsewhere. Now he could see the small hairs surrounding the dark areolas, the moles sprinkled over his stomach, the wide scar that crossed a pectoral. He forced his eyes to remain on Potter's upper body, unwilling to let them drift lower.

Potter held out his arms in a gesture that was both surrender and supplication.

Severus lifted his wand and pointed it straight between Potter's eyes. Potter did not even blink. He stared at Severus, his eyes intense and unyielding.

Hurting the boy was not an option. Especially when all that Potter wanted was him. But he could not give in to his unnatural attraction. There was nothing he could do. Keeping his wand fixed on Potter, he lowered it slowly. Potter lowered his head to match the path of the wand although his eyes never left Severus's face. Once he could no longer lower his head and meet Severus's gaze, he sank to the floor, his thigh and calf muscles flexing as he went down on his knees before Severus. Lower and lower he melted until he knelt upon the marble of the hallway floor, his thighs spread, Severus's wand still pointed between his eyes.

The easy submission was more than Severus had ever expected. Watching that powerful body, that epitome of masculine perfection, yield before him was a more satisfying mastery than any Imperius he had ever cast. If he were to pull out his cock, Potter would suck it. If he ordered him to bend over, he could fuck him.

Was that what he had intended to tell himself with the password to his safe? He had translated On ne connaît que les choses que l'on apprivoise' as 'one only understands the things that one tames'. Was he supposed to tame Potter in order to understand him? Or was it an explanation for why he had tamed the boy? He could now see why such a prospect would appeal to him. The most powerful man in the wizarding world was kneeling before him, naked, ready to do anything and everything he asked.

The hallway, once wide and grand, seemed to close in around him and his breath caught in his throat. He had sworn he would not give in to his libido, not in front of Potter, but with each jagged intake of oxygen, more and more blood pumped into his cock.

Tearing his gaze from Potter's fierce eyes, he glanced downward, only to fixate on the part of Potter's body he had been trying hard to ignore: the thick, hardening cock surrounded by dark curls. It jumped as if acknowledging Severus's attention. The glans still hid beneath the foreskin, even though it was already three times the size it had been while flaccid. What would it feel like in his hand? Was the skin as soft as it looked—softer than his?

He moved before his brain took note of the action, and he found himself standing with his toes between Potter's knees. Potter did not move except for his cock, which twitched and thickened further.

That tangled mess of hair looked so soft. His jaw was strong and firm. His chest, thick and hard, nipples peaked. His face and eyes, flushed with colour.

This was his former student. This boy was young enough to be his son. This was Potter. Potter had a cock as big as his own. Severus lifted his hand.

Potter sucked in a breath, a flash of something igniting in his eyes. Anger? No, lust. His dark red glans strained against the foreskin still covering it, pleading for release. Already, a strand of shiny pre-come stretched from the tip all the way to the floor.

Severus stared at the boy. He wanted him. He hated him. He cuffed him in the head. Twirling on his heel, he turned and left for his room. He expected Potter to chase after him, to grab him, shove him against a wall and demand his cock. No pursuit followed and disappointment settled like weights in his gut and he strode faster. He didn't want Potter. These buried past memories were responsible for it, nothing that he himself wanted.

Although, he had wanted Potter once.

Why? What was it about the boy that had left him so devoted, and had made him bother to take the time to train Potter in proper brewing? What was it that had compelled them to move in together and share a home—something that he thought he would never do? Potter drove him crazy with his countless irritating habits. He wanted to hit him, not hug him. Yet, even with all his hate for the boy, he could not deny his attraction—the only thing of the past that had remained when everything else had gone. His body remembered Potter, even though his mind did not.

Alone in his room, Severus stripped out of his clothing and sprawled out on the bed. Phineas was right, Potter had become slave-like in his devotion. It would not take much to gain complete control. No harm could come from allowing Potter to suck him off. He didn't even have to touch the boy to get him hard and dripping. Potter wanted him.

The eager little slut was desperate for sex. Severus stroked his hand over his dick. How far would the whore go? What would Potter be willing to do to earn the privilege of sucking his cock?

The boy would have to beg. Crawl on his knees, his dick erect, and beg to taste cock. Beg before he could even see it.

Potter would kneel and open his mouth. He'd order the brat to suck him. The slut's tongue would lick up his shaft, wet, warm and hot. He'd wrap his lips around the head, wetting it with his tongue. He'd dip his tongue in the slit, flicking in and out, licking up every drop that leaked. The whore would tell him how much he missed it and needed it, how grateful he was to be allowed to suck his cock and taste him again. Potter's dick would be dark red and needy, leaking profusely, but Severus wouldn’t allow the whore to touch himself.

Severus stroked himself faster. He'd grab the slut's head in his hands and fuck that mouth until Potter was moaning, ready to come just from sucking him. Then and only then, he'd hold the whore's head still, shoving his cock as far down that throat as he could while he shot his hot load. Potter would gag from his dick and the come filling his throat, struggling to breathe, but Severus would hold tight and order the slut to hold still and "Swallow it!" and he would, eagerly.

"Yes!" He could see it. Potter gagging on his cock, swallowing his come, eyes burning with desire as they gazed up at him.

"Nngh!" Severus's hips canted upward to meet his pumping fist. The vision of Potter's face, the boy's mouth stretched wide around his thick prick was all he needed to fall over the precipice. Severus shuddered, his breath coming in short gasps, his back arching in a tight bow. Creamy white strands exploded from his prick, hitting him high on his chest. He pumped his cock, milking every last drop from it until he could give no more.

Exhausted, he collapsed against the bed and stroked himself down from his high. A small, lazy grin crossed his face. He'd not had such a satisfying orgasm in years. Who knew that all it took would be a subservient Potter? He'd have to file this fantasy away for later use.

Perhaps he had been remiss in neglecting to cultivate a relationship with Potter. Next time Potter offered himself, he'd take the boy on his own terms. It would do no good to let the arrogant brat think he was in control.

Sunday 18 July 11:03 AM

Potter strode through the halls of the Ministry of Magic as if he were the Minister himself. The crowds parted before him as if he were. Clerks scurried up to him, requesting his signature on this form or that. Some he signed, others he sent away with the clerk with further instruction. In the lift, a distinguished wizard dressed in elegant robes held out a thick scroll case to Potter.

"I'd be honoured if you would consider my proposal for adjusting the vampire regulations."

With the air of one used to granting favours, Potter accepted the scroll and tucked it under his arm. "I'll look over it later."

The man's face lit up as if Potter had said that he would agree to the proposal. "Thank you! Thank you so very much!" When the lift reached his floor, he hurried off, a bounce to his step.

Although it was a weekend and presumably not a day of the week when the most important members of the staff would be around, the deference shown Potter was not one Severus would expect for an Auror without any title. Everyone behaved as if Potter were the very head of the Department himself, even though there was no way Potter could have taken over the Auror Department after only three years in the field.

The actual head of the Auror Department, Stephen Tan, met them outside the mortuary.

"Thank you for allowing us to do this," said Potter as he offered his hand.

"Oh, no!" protested Stephen as he warmly shook Potter's hand. He offered his to Severus next. "I'm delighted to be of service. Anything to help you two past this matter."

"Anything to help me focus more on work," said Harry with a grin.

Stephen laughed. "I can’t deny that is a motivation as well. Please," he waved them after him, "follow me."

The mortuary was a well-lit set of rooms painted with oddly cheerful colours—bright yellows, pale blues, and fresh greens. The white plush carpet only served to brighten the atmosphere. The room where the bodies were kept was no different, except that it had marble flooring instead of carpet. The large, colourful labels on the drawers made Severus feel as if he were standing in the middle of a nursery classroom rather than a storage facility for the dead. Perhaps the designers of the room had imagined that the brightness would lessen the sombre gravity of the place, but it had the opposite effect for Severus. The dank, the dark, the cold and impersonal did not bother him. False cheerfulness did.

Determined to spend as little time in the mortuary as possible, he pulled out his equipment and prepared the fluid collection vials while striding after Stephen to the drawer where Endell was kept.

Although it had been over six months since the man died, the preservation spells and potions gave the corpse the appearance of sleep rather than death. Endell was of average height but had a thin, pinched face and long, giraffe-like legs, as if he had been stretched on a rack at some point in his life. Lank, greasy hair fell about his face and brushed the tops of his shoulders. The smallness of his nose and mouth contrasted sharply with his heavy chin. Even in death, the wrinkles on his face gave the impression of a permanent scowl, and Severus half-expected him to sit up and chastise them for their desecration.

After he'd collected the necessary samples, Severus ran through every single scan and spell of which he could think. If the body had been created in a laboratory, it had been done with such perfect precision that no artificial traces could be found. As much as Severus admired and respected Endell’s talents, he doubted that it was possible to create a fake body that could not be detected by any normal means. Potions and magic always left traces.

"I’m finished," he said, turning away from the body to carefully pack his supplies. As soon as he had everything tucked away, he strode from the disconcerting room, left the Ministry, and Apparated back home to head straight for his lab. Although the vials he had brought were designed for the preservation of samples, he dared not let the slightest bit of wasted time adversely affect his work.

In addition to his tests to determine whether the body had been created, he had also examined Endell for any disease.

Potter arrived as he was setting up the cauldrons. "What d'you need?" he asked.

"Crush half a jar of moonstone."

Stripping out of his traveling robes, Potter found the necessary jar and dumped the contents into a mortar. "This is enough for ten, twelve bases," he said as he grabbed a pestle. "D'you have that many samples to run?"

"Multiple tests can be run on the same sample, provided the tests are conducted in a certain order. Once you finish with the moonstone, prepare the Armillaria."

"Right," said Potter.

With Potter's help, it only took a few hours for Severus to run through the standard repertoire of tests. Although he trusted Potter more than he had before, he only let Potter prepare the ingredients to ensure none of his potions could be tampered with. If Potter tried to change the ingredients, he'd notice when they were added to the cauldron.

Each test showed no evidence of disease. Unable to find anything, he dismissed Potter and cleaned the lab. As he poured out the last cauldron, he noticed the bottom glowing with bright green bioluminescence from remains of the fungus. It was the same as when he tested his own sample.

Although he could not say with certainty, the similar reaction suggested that if he had been poisoned, Endell had been poisoned by the exact same potion.

Responses to reviews:

KillingProphet - Yes, Severus is incredibly arrogant in his paranoia.

J - I completely agree with you. Harry has far more patience than I would have.

mrequecky - Yes, I too feel so sorry for Harry having to suffer through Snape right now.

QueenBoadicea - You are quite right about Harry's experiencing the death of Severus. I imagine that, in some ways, it's worse for Harry than if Severus had actually died. However, Harry has hope, and that's what keeps him going.