The Engagement Kiss

Harry understood he had been a one way channel. Open to them but refusing at the same time, he gently pushed everyone from his mind, closing off his own thoughts too keeping them in his own mind. Weary and relieved he sank into Naji’s hold, he never realized how heavy it was to block everyone out.

“Its alright, you did it. I’m sorry.” Naji whispered, conjuring a chair and maneuvering them into it. Harry snuggled sleepily against his friend,

“It hurt…but I was hurting you too, and Az. Denying you and at the same time burdening you. I’m sorry.” He whispered, voice soft and exhausted, the last thing he heard before he feel asleep was Naji’s whispered words and the soft mental hug that Az sent him,

“You did well little brother, and don’t worry you are never a burden.” His older brother’s voice whispered and Harry for once actually believed it.

Chapter 9:

Harry woke up and looking around disoriented. He was back in his room and he was himself again. He felt in control for the first time since Sirius’ death and it was a magnificent feeling. With a smile he grabbed his glasses shoving them on his face and exited the room with a happy twirl. The obnoxious happy feeling making him so giddy he practically flew down the stairs. The household was gathered around for lunch and they all turned in surprised when he entered, a happy smile plastered on his face.

“I take it your feeling better Ry?” Naji asked with a knowing smile. Harry nodded enthusiastically and enveloped his newest friend in a quick hug releasing him only to do the same to a stunned Hermione then Ron who looked like he was battling amusement and concern. Severus watched the boy warily as he turned to look at him; Harry was not so high on his own happiness that he forgot himself enough to even try including the professor in his hugging spree. Instead he gave him a huge, bright smile,

“Good morning Severus!” he chimed cheerily completely oblivious to the fact it was well after noon. He sat contently between Ron and Hermione. Both his friends looked at him with concern while Naji fought with a laughing fit. The green haired boy sobered up when Severus fixed him with a glare.

“What did you drug him with?” the potions master asked, half kidding, half serious after all he didn’t know much about what they did in that secret room of theirs.

“Nothing Severus, it’s a typical reaction to finalizing a link. Though in Harry’s case it’s several links, hence his over the top happiness.” He said soothingly. Severus looked back at Harry surprised, he had control now? Would they be able to spend more time together now…he still had the strange need to convince Harry of his trustworthiness? His question was answered when Harry turned back to him,

“Oh, Severus I wanted to ask if we could possibly go to Diagon Alley, we still need school supplies.” The boy asked, his face looking conflicted at the mention of school. Severus jumped at the opportunity, even though he knew the whole gang would be going he still would do anything to keep that smile on Harry’s face.

“Would tomorrow be suitable?” he asked in response, and Harry’s face brightened. He nodded happily and returned to eating and speaking animatedly with Ron about quidditch. As the finished eating Hermione turned to Harry,

“Since you’re feeling better and Naji says you need a break from training I thought we might go take a look at the books Azar sent you.” She suggested, and Harry smiled. He was well aware that she was hungry for the knowledge and he himself was curious too.

“Sure ‘Mione. Are the books still in the library?” He asked, almost missing Ron’s slight shudder. Harry looked at his redheaded friend, had there been something more about that book incident. So much had happened that it had gotten pushed aside.

-Ron, are you alright? - He asked silently through his link with his friend, while Ron had no powers to actively respond while Harry was paying attention they could converse this way. -Just concentrate on me and I’ll be able to hear your response.-

-I’m fine- Ron’s voice flitted back, soft and hazy.

-Liar. - Harry responded fondly, as Ron shot him a glare that was only half-hearted. With a small sigh he tried to explain,

-Remember how Snape said that book should only affect those with creature blood? - He said. Harry balked, that was right that’s why Severus had made sure it didn’t touch him but Ron, he should’ve been fine…right? Ron watched his face seeing the progress of his thoughts, and looked over at Severus.

-Do yah think he could explain it? The only answer I’m coming up with is that I have creature blood, but my family’s pure blooded…- Ron continued looking slightly worried. –I sent a letter to my Dad asking him if we had any creature blood but his response was very vague.- Harry looked at his friend and saw that this was really bothering him. He put a hand on Ron’s shoulder.

-It’ll work out. I promise I’ll still love you even if you turn out part troll. - Harry said teasingly, and Ron laughed softly out loud. With a grateful glance at Harry they followed Hermione at a slightly more subdued pace. Harry was still worried about Ron though, so he called out to the one person that he thought could help.

-Az? - He called, it was harder to contact his brother because of the distance between them, and his mental voice wasn’t that strong yet. Even still Az heard him, and Harry felt his presence like a constant hug.
-What’s the matter Ry? – He responded, sensing his brother’s worry. Harry didn’t bother trying to explain he simply showed Az the corresponding memories to their current predicament. Az watched patiently and then paused, Harry felt his brothers conflict, and a quick sense of…longing? Pushing it aside he waited.

-It is entirely possible that Ron has a creature bloodline that even his family doesn’t know about; pure bloods are hardly ever really pure blooded. Like the Malfoy’s I’m positive they have a veela line in their blood. - Az replied carefully, but Harry could tell he knew more than that. It hurt that Az was keeping something from him, and his brother felt it. Az’s presence tightened in a comforting hug,

-I’m sorry Harry, I know what creature he is but I cannot tell you. Not because I don’t trust you but because I made a wizards oath to an old friend and this falls under that oath to secrecy. - He said, and Harry felt the truth and despair coming from his brother.

-Alright, can you give me a lead? - He asked hopefully, and he felt Az fighting with the oath trying to test what he could tell his brother. With a sigh he finally responded, -All I can tell you is look up an explorer by the name of Nar Macarthur. There might be something on him in the history books I sent you- he said, with another mental hug. Harry smiled and returned the hug,

-Thanks Az. This means a lot to me, and Ron. - He said and he felt Az smile.

-No problem little bro, I’m here whenever you need me. - With that he left, but Harry knew that he was always there. That was a comforting feeling. He didn’t realize that he’d been standing just outside the library while talking with Az, entering Ron and Hermione looked up. He gave them an apologetic smile,

“I haven’t mastered think and walking yet, such a tragedy.” He said cheerily, and sat in one of the comfortable chairs. Hermione handed him a book with a slight blush,

“I think you should probably read that one.” She said still blushing as Naji came in too. He spotted the book and made a face leaning over Harry’s chair to open it,

“I hated reading this one, could they have made it more boring?” he said, enjoying the effect Harry had once he realized that the book was an anatomy book of sorts. Compete with pictures. Naji laughed and closed it,

“Read it later, I have to admit some of it is a little interesting.” He said with a smile, Hermione and Harry blushed. Naji sat in the chair opposite Hermione and looked at the pile of books, “What are you interested in?” She looked curiously at him,

“Did you read these books too?” she asked, curious as to why,

“Yeah, most of the adults get squeamish about talking about some of this stuff. They like it better when we have directed questions.” He replied with a smile. She nodded, and then looked at the books.

“I’m curious about the Ander social structure. Do you have a government? Somewhere you are all congregated?” She asked pelting the green haired boy with questions. He laughed a full and honest laugh.

“Slow down, slow down.” He said cheerily, and she blushed. Harry and Ron watched the exchange with mixed feelings, Harry mostly felt happy for his friends there was a strange chemistry between the two. While Ron’s face was impassible but Harry thought that for a moment there might’ve been a flash of relief there.

“Well Ander social structure is loosely based around our powers. Most often we’ll develop an affinity for a particular element, and the elements run in families. Like Harry’s family usually develops powers over air.” Naji began to explain, however Hermione couldn’t help interrupting.

“So if one of the family members were out of the norm? How does the social system go? And you said that elements were only the norm.” she spouted, to Naji’s amazement. He looked her over with a smile,

“Do you actually think that fast or do you store questions until the time when they can be answered?” he teased, before answering her questions, “We are not strict enough to try and breed our powers pure, in fact we believe that natural progression is the best. Our social system is rather primitive to outsiders but there are only a few who hold the positions the six elders.” He said pausing for dramatic effect, holding all of their attention now. “Each elder is well the oldest of their element, water, fire, air, earth, metal, and spirit. They keep the peace between families and handle ‘outer world affairs.” Hermione sat in silence for a moment then leaned foreword again.

“So if they handle everything how do the other Anders live? Az and Aviva seemed rather well informed about the wizarding world, as do you for that matter.” She asked.

“That’s because we live ‘outside’. Plenty of Anders choose to live outside after they or their guardians are strictly instructed on how to keep safe. After all the inner city is boring as hell.” He explained, and once again Hermione had questions. Harry had to smile, he was often asked how they managed to put up with her endless questions and butting into everything but it was just how Hermione was. She didn’t mean anything by it.

“The inner city? So what’s the point of having the elders if you can live outside?” She asked, looking a tad confused.

“I can’t tell you much about the City; let’s just say it’s like a safe house. Every Ander can flash back to the City and no one but an Ander can follow. The elders deal with the ministry and such, keeping us safe.” He looked at the book pile and pulled out a thick tome.

“That one’s history, if you’re really curious about why we’re so secretive.” He said sitting back, waiting to see if she had any more questions.

“How are the elders chosen? Is it really just the oldest of their element? Isn’t that sort of unreliable?” She asked, surprising him. Harry laughed softly; Naji didn’t know what he’d gotten himself into answering her questions now she’d never stop.

“They are chosen by age, but once they pass a certain age they ‘retire’ and the next eldest takes over. It has worked well for us.” He replied with a shrug. Harry yawned loudly as they launched into the next round of questions; he stood with a wave goodnight. They waved distractedly while Ron elected to watch the banter finding it interesting and amusing. Harry walked across the hall towards his room, only to find Severus standing at the stairs looking at the hall as if he were debating whether to go into the library or not.

“Good evening Harry.” The stoic man greeted, his molten silk voice washing over Harry. He smiled and returned the pleasantry,

“Severus thanks for being so accommodating. To… well all this.” Harry said demurely, he hadn’t really thanked the man properly. They did sort of upend his life. The potions master frowned and placed long fingers under Harry’s chin forcing him to look up.

“I assure you that not all of it has been unpleasant.” He whispered Harry stared up at him. Barely noticing that his back had hit the wall, they had been moving? Severus swept a thumb across his chin and leaned down to capture his fiancé’s sweet mouth. It amazed Severus that Harry’s taste could be so uniquely sweet and addicting. He broke the kiss to look at the boy’s face, loving the red tinge in his cheeks and soft glaze of lust in those brilliant eyes. For a moment Professor and student stared at each other, something monumental had changed but neither could place it. Finally Severus stepped back, no mater how he wanted to ravage Harry it was a trust he hadn’t earned yet.

“Good night Harry.” He said voice slightly hoarse, with a soft kiss to Harry’s cheek Severus swept of down the stairs. Harry watched until he was out of sight before walking in a daze to his room, closing and locking the door. He threw up a silencing spell as his hand dipped into his pants, still amazed that a simple kiss could’ve gotten him so aroused. Naji’s voice cut in softly,

“Don’t forget to re-close the link Harry.” He whispered before closing his own, completely uninterested in Harry’s activities. Finishing himself off he cast a quick cleaning spell and fell asleep, forgetting to close the link before his last bit of consciousness slipped away.

An Lookit this I’m on a roll! Two updates in two days! XD However I received very few reviews. T.T did I make you all wait to long and you hates me now? =P REVIEWS make me HAPPY, and me happy makes me want to write! And that last scene with Harry and Sev is totally dedicated to Nikte because I was promised cookies. Twice. =D
Anywho the pace’ll pick up from here. I promise. I’m so looking forward to writing the next few chappies! And! Dun worry ima not making the story switch to Ron. XD I just liked the idea of making him part something too. As I has plans for our fiery redhead. I’m still not sure bout Hermione. =P