Severus' Way

Severus' Way

by Firesword

PART TWO

Severus' day passed quickly much to the Potions Master's relief. He got through four of his potion classes without any major incidences, and his fifth proved to be just as uneventful. That was good. He was not going to be in a foul mood later.

The clock struck five and the third years looked at him expectantly from their seats. Severus moved away from the blackboard and began to walk around the classroom. Everything seemed to be in order and he dismissed his students.

He gathered several scrolls of essays and headed toward his chambers. He intended to shower before he went out to find his lover. Actually, he planned to mark the students' assignments first as it was a habit for him to deal with his tasks before relaxing, but he decided not to fall into routine that night.

The Potions Master immediately entered his workroom once he arrived in his labyrinth, and dropped the scrolls into a box marked with the words 'Third Year'. He winced upon seeing how many he had to mark.

"Perhaps ... no. This is my responsibility, not Harry's." His eyes narrowed in thought. "But should I get him to come here, and do his assignment?" After several minutes of thinking, his inner voice said that Harry might find the idea of being with him a brilliant one.

Severus quickly went on to bathe and put on a new set of black robes. He wished he could have donned something unusual - like a simple white shirt and a pair of dark trousers - but the thought of doing so with so many students around made him feel underdressed.

He was surprised when he emerged out of his chambers. He did not expect to find Harry waiting for him outside.

Harry pushed himself off the wall on which he had been leaning on before Severus appeared.

"Hello," Harry said softly.

"Harry." Severus' robes settled around his knees as he stood still before the younger wizard. Like him, Harry smelled as though he had just showered and his wild, black hair still looked damp.

Severus gave Harry the once-over and raised his eyebrow. Severus noticed that since the day Harry had shown interest in him, Harry always wore something casual, but smart. That evening, Harry wore a pair of black jeans and a white, collared T-shirt, which had been tucked in rather neatly. Black eyes lowered to inspect Harry's footwear. The younger man wore shiny, black leather shoes.

"You don't like?" Harry asked. Severus brought his eyes up to stare into Harry's with bewilderment. "I mean, I'm dressed up like a Muggle."

"You look ... but if you want me to give you an accurate assessment, would you turn around?" Severus could hardly believe himself. How had he managed to sound so serious when what he had asked of Harry was quite ... audacious?

"Severus!" Harry's cheeks reddened.

Severus chuckled at Harry's exclamation. "You look ... fine. Suitable for you tonight."

"You mean I won't look suitable in this tomorrow?" Harry asked jokingly.

"It could possibly depend on your mood." Severus touched the top of Harry's head and slowly allowed his fingertips to run through Harry's wet hair. "You should have brushed your hair."

"Believe me, Severus. I had," Harry sighed. "I had brushed it before I came down, but some Ravenclaw thought it'd be cool to have a gale blowing in the staircase area. Professor McGonagall was quite ... furious."

"Not that again."

"Well, they're doing it again, Severus."

"When will they ever learn?"

Harry sighed again but perked up almost immediately. "You know, Severus, I haven't seen you wearing anything but black robes when you're required to walk around the castle."

"Black is the only color I'm comfortable with," Severus answered with a slight shrug. "Those of different hues, not including shades of gray and white, set my teeth and eyes on edge. Can you imagine me wearing ... let's say, one of Lockhart's gaudy, yellow robes?" Severus asked the emerald-eyed wizard as they slowly walked to the Great Hall.

"Urgh. I see what you mean. It sort of clashes with your hair. No, not your hair, but your personality. Right?"

"Correct." Severus smiled faintly. "I believe I've been wearing black or gray since I was born. I don't remember wearing colored shirts."

"White ... and silver..."

"Hmmmm?" Severus took his attention from several staring students to glance at his lover. Harry looked somewhat preoccupied.

"Nothing, Severus," Harry said softly but Severus noticed the amused smile.

They finally reached the staircase and went up to the Entrance Hall. Students prowled about but Severus scarcely paid any attention to them. Upon their appearance, murmurs and whispers exploded.

Severus paused and his black eyes scanned the Great Hall swiftly for their table. It was no longer at the spot near the entrance.

"Professor?"

When he looked at Harry, his lover pointed his chin in the direction of the Slytherin tables.

"Wonderful," he muttered.

Their special table was standing in between the Slytherin tables and the teachers' tables.

Severus strode calmly toward it while his lover followed just a little hesitantly. Harry took the seat facing the Gryffindors, while Severus took the seat that allowed him to keep an eye on his students. However, it felt slightly uncomfortable to feel eyes all over his back.

"Well," Severus started once he felt that Harry had settled down a bit, "shall we eat?"

-oOoxoOo-

Severus was sipping on his tea when he felt the rubbing sensation. He nearly choked on his drink and straightened his back. He set his cup down on his saucer and focused on Harry's amused eyes. "Mister Potter," he began, "what are you doing?" he asked silkily.

"Something that's quite normally done by couples," Harry answered just as silkily.

There was a sudden explosion of giggles from a Hufflepuff table.

He went quite still but Harry continued to rub his leg. Severus leaned forward slightly. "As much as I'd like to award you five points, Mister Potter, I'm afraid such continued acts would only lead to your other professors subtracting points from your house."

"Just five, Professor?"

"Merlin's beard! Someone shoot them!" someone shouted but laughter quickly drowned the person's voice.

Severus' cheeks burned with embarrassment and he looked pleadingly at his lover. Harry merely smiled back.

"I suppose you are enjoying yourself?"

"Very much, Professor."

"Severus."

At the Headmaster's voice, Severus turned his head slightly. "Yes, Headmaster?" He fought to keep his tone neutral.

"Why do you call each other so formally?" the old wizard asked curiously. "You may call each other as casually as you want, but please return to your formal selves during lessons."

Severus' eye twitched slightly. He knew that he could call Harry by name, but he still felt that should be done in private for some reason.

"As casually as we want," Harry murmured.

The hair on Severus' arms started to rise when Harry's beautiful lips lifted in a sly smile. When Harry started to rub his leg a little higher, Severus nearly moaned but he quickly disguised it with a cough, and trapped Harry's restless foot with his shins.

Severus cleared his throat and feigned a scowl. "Since your feet are quite restless, Mister Potter, shall we go out for a little walk?"

Harry grinned briefly. "I'd like that, love. I do feel like walking."

Love.

That endearment rang beautifully in his ears and Severus dreamily rose to his feet. Just like he had done after breakfast, he sidled up next to Harry and whispered in his lover's ear.

"Mister Potter, as much as I enjoy seeing your friends' expressions, I think it may be wise if you reserve that when we're alone." Severus really wanted to lick the shell of Harry's ear then but curbed the urge. "So please, call me Severus."

"All right, Professor," Harry said somewhat breathlessly.

"Good." Severus then calmly took Harry's hand in his and smiled when Harry stared at him in shock. "Holding hands is permitted after all."

"Oh. Yeah. I forgot," Harry answered, looking slightly dazed.

"Bloody hell! Snap out of it, Harry! He must have slipped you a love potion when you were recovering!" Ronald Weasley yelled in a desperate voice.

"Mister Weasley!" Professor McGonagall gasped.

Severus was somewhat quick to lash out at the red-haired Gryffindor, but Harry's response was quicker.

"Ron, if Severus," Harry shook his head quickly, "I mean Snape - wait ... Professor Snape - if he is really that unscrupulous, do you think he'd continue being a teacher here? He would have been sacked if he does, considering that Professor Dumbledore knows everything that is going on in the school."

"Well, not quite everything, Harry," the ancient wizard corrected swiftly. "It'd be embarrassing if I knew anything that intimately."

"But ... but, Harry, how come you fell for the git all of a sudden? Just because he had been the one who found you, it doesn't mean you have to be indebted to him. Not like that anyway," Ginny said with big, begging eyes.

Severus heard Harry sigh heavily.

"Ginny, this didn't happen overnight. I've felt like this since the middle of my sixth year."

"What? You mean that this had been going on ... and you kept it a secret?"

"We have only just gotten together," Harry said, exasperated. "And considering your reactions to my secret, I think I have done the right thing by not telling anyone whom I was fancying."

Severus did not feel like entertaining the Gryffindors. He tugged at Harry's hand gently and glared at Weasley and the others. "I would like us to promise on something," he said suddenly.

"What?" Harry tilted his head to one side and looked at him almost cautiously.

"Will it be too much to ask that I want you to pay attention to me, when you're with me?"

Harry's cheeks colored quite prettily. "You mean, when I'm with you, I should think only about you, and talk only with you?"

"I believe it is termed as quality time with each other," Severus muttered.

"That's if we're intent on being alone."

Severus nodded.

"Professor, I never knew you could be a possessive sort of person," Harry said with a mischievous smile.

"Then I must remind you, Mister Potter, that I have been a Slytherin during my teenage years."

"Really, you two can cut it with the 'Mister Potter' and 'Professor' kind of thing," Hermione Granger spoke with a rather minx-like expression on her face.

"Hermione! You can't encourage them!" Ron Weasley protested.

"Use your eyes, and your ears, Ron," Hermione snapped.

"Shall we go?" Severus asked his emerald-eyed lover.

"Sure. Where though?" Harry inquired politely.

"It is not wise for me to tell that aloud," Severus smiled. "Come, Harry."

-oOoxoOo-

Severus took Harry to a part of the castle that allowed them a good view of the lake on one side, the Forbidden Forest on the other, and the star-filled sky of the night. He leaned against a rough stone wall with Harry pressed against his side.

"Is this allowed?" Harry asked softly.

"It is fairly decent," Severus answered with a dreamy smile. His hand idly rubbed the side of Harry's arm as he stared up at the sky. Harry wriggled closer and it felt good to have Harry's arm wrapped around his waist.

"It feels so good to have the freedom to do what you want," Harry said. Severus looked down and saw the small, contented smile.

"And you wish to do?" Severus dropped a light kiss on Harry's hair.

"This. Being close to you. Not being able to hug you when I felt like giving you one nearly drove me mad."

"That is true."

Both of them let out soft sighs of happiness.

Severus let the serenity rejuvenate him before his sense of duty nagged at the back of his mind. It seemed that Harry was troubled by something as well, because he sighed somewhat morosely.

"Argh ... if only there wasn't homework," Harry muttered gloomily.

"I have papers to mark as well," Severus said regretfully.

He wanted to invite Harry over to his chambers to do his homework but a small voice in his head asked somewhat sarcastically,

"Are you able to concentrate with the bed just several feet away?"

Severus winced inwardly. His conscience did have a point.

"I know," Harry said brightly. "Let's go and work in the library."

That had not cross Severus' mind at all. "I think we could work under that condition," he said seriously.

"So you are troubled by the fact that you may get distracted," Harry said with amusement.

"I was." Severus squeezed Harry's shoulder lightly. "If you are ready, we'll meet again in approximately fifteen minutes."

Harry laughed richly. "I'm never ready to do homework. Hermione usually has to run after me to make me ready."

Severus allowed his hand to slip down and Harry finally moved away. He straightened and raised his eyebrow when Harry gave him a contemplative gaze.

"Why are we even given homework?" Harry pouted slightly. "We're graduating in two weeks or so."

"That's to keep all of you busy," Severus answered with a slight smirk.

Harry sighed but a smile touched his lips once more. "I think I'd better get my stuff. I'll meet you at the entrance of the library then?"

Severus nodded and took a quick look around. His arm snaked around to the back of Harry's neck swiftly and claimed Harry's lovely lips in a hungry kiss. His young lover let out a soft mewl of protest when he drew away. Severus brushed his thumb lightly over the shining lips.

"This will have to do, lovely one. I want to give you more, but not until you have graduated. Is that all right?" Severus asked softly. His eyes did not leave Harry's - they were so dark, and needy, and beautiful, and Severus was too drawn to them.

Harry nodded, albeit a little weakly. "I'll go and get my stuff. I'll see you in a bit," Harry whispered and he kissed Severus' palm before walking away.

Severus stood in the corridor as he watched Harry walked in huge strides. "I love you, Harry," he whispered, allowing his words to merge with the wind. Then he walked, to get his papers.

-oOoxoOo-

It was Friday morning and Severus, as usual, was dining with Harry. That night, the raw, oak table was situated at the Gryffindor side of the Hall. It amused Severus to no end, as he watched Harry's friends trying to eat and stare at them at the same time.

It might be several days since their relationship had come out into the open, but the whispers and murmurs had not stopped. However, those had mostly come out of the Gryffindors. Severus' students were not paying attention to him or Harry anymore as they were more or less occupied with themselves and the coming ball.

Severus and Harry soon finished eating, and instead of staring into each other's eyes as they usually did, Harry moved his stump beside Severus' seat. The Potions Master looked at his lover with surprise but comprehension soon encompassed his face when Harry pulled out the Daily Prophet from his robe. Wordlessly, Severus shifted closer, and together, they read the newspaper.

They came upon a passage announcing the days of the trials of several Death Eaters that had been captured, and the piece of news caused Harry to grumble.

"I wish I could just turn into a renegade and not bother with this," Harry muttered darkly.

"But your testimony is needed," Severus said gently.

"I know," Harry said glumly. "Really. I don't really want to recount what had happened - which I'm sure they'd have me do."

Severus patted Harry's hand lightly and frowned at the gagging sounds made by some Gryffindors.

Harry let out a gasp and Severus' black eyes flew back swiftly to study the younger wizard. Harry was clutching at his chest.

"Harry." Severus quickly laid his hand on top of Harry's and watched with relief as Harry's agonized expression faded.

"Sorry, Severus," Harry whispered. "I'm all right. It's just that ... the memory of being hit ... it hasn't left me."

"I understand." Severus restrained himself with a quick caress of Harry's cheek to soothe him.

The tapping of spoon against a crystal globe captured the attention of people in the Great Hall.

"May I have your attention please?" Dumbledore requested after clearing his voice.

Perhaps in an unconscious manner, Harry leaned against Severus, and equally unconscious, Severus wrapped his arm around Harry's waist.

"As the ball of celebration draws near, I am aware that some of you do not have the appropriate dress robes," Dumbledore began. "As such, I am quite happy to announce that you will be allowed to return home to attain something suitable this entire weekend. Those of you who have the means however, do not have to go home. You will be permitted to shop at Diagon Alley instead."

Squeals of excitement echoed all over the vast room.

Dumbledore cleared his throat again and silence descended once more. "I have already sent letters to your kin, and..." Dumbledore's voice trailed off as a loud noise filled the air.

The owl posts had arrived.

While most of the students were excited by their mail, Harry was quite calm.

"Good. I'll shop for something. My old dress robe are a little tight across the shoulders," Harry said softly.

"Harry, did you sleep well?" Severus asked finally. He did not know why, but he had some suspicions that Harry's friends were not letting him sleep.

"Well enough, if Ron hadn't tried to convince me again, that I'm just confused, and if I hadn't had a bad dream," Harry said wearily. "Severus, don't be angry with him."

Severus reined in his temper and nodded tightly in acquiescence.

"He's my friend. He's just worried," Harry continued.

"Harry, wake up."

"I'm up."

"You're falling asleep," Severus whispered.

"I'm ... tired."

Severus leaned in much closer. "You have to be alert." At his words, Harry straightened and gave him a weak smile. "Tonight, you will rest with me."

"But-"

"No buts, Harry. I will tell your friends where you are going to spend the night myself if I have to."

"Merlin, don't. That will make Ron froth in the mouth."

"Very well. However, you are still going to rest with me tonight. Will you permit this?" Severus looked seriously at Harry.

Emerald eyes brightened and stared at Severus with great affection. "Do you want me to say no?" Harry asked with a smile.

"No, but you must give me your permission."

Harry laughed then. It cut through any conversations faster than anything else did and Severus felt the stares from the students in the Great Hall as though they were hands pushing against him.

"You really are a remarkable man, Severus. Mysterious to the extent that makes me want to delve into you and your secrets," Harry said with a soft chuckle. "I'll try to get through the day without falling asleep. But I cannot guarantee you that I'd be awake during History of Magic."

"I do not expect you to be awake when he starts his lecture." Severus' own lips twitched with amusement.

"I'm glad that he's the only one who'd be able to make me sleep within seconds. I'm glad that I won't be able to fall asleep in your class even if I try." Harry grinned. He looked more energetic as well.

"I am glad that I do not have a soporific presence."

"Harry, what are you going to do tomorrow?" Hermione asked loudly enough for Severus and Harry to hear.

"I'm going shopping," Harry answered and poked Severus' shoulder several times, "with this one."

"You are mental, mate. Mental." Ronald Weasley shook his head.

"Ron, you have to let Harry make his own choices."

Severus raised his eyebrow at the unexpected defense.

"But Hermione..."

"Ron, it's his life. Look at him - he's happier than he was."

The bell struck.

"You know, Severus," Harry started in a soft voice as most of the students started to scramble off their seats to hurry off to their lessons, "I'm looking forward to tonight."

"We will have dinner in my quarters," Severus said quickly. "I think we might as well take a break from the public."

-oOoxoOo-

From the moment Severus collected Harry from his friends, he knew that something was not quite right. He kept glancing at the raven-haired wizard beside him. The amused smile on Harry's exquisite-looking lips puzzled him greatly. However, Harry gave him an explanation before he could explode with soul-eating curiosity.

"I think my sense of humor has become a little warped, Severus," Harry said, laughing as he sat down on a chair.

"Well, that will explain the horrified looks on your friends' faces," Severus said with an arched look. "What were you talking about?" he asked as he himself sat down on the chair beside his lover's.

"I told them that I won't be coming back to the dormitory tonight."

Severus was reaching out to pour water into Harry's glass when Harry said that. He stopped and stared at the emerald-eyed teenager with great incredulity. "But you were reluctant to inform them earlier."

"Well, that's because I was not fed up by Ron's efforts and their caustic remarks about me and you," Harry answered with a crooked smile.

"Caustic?" Severus' eyebrow went up a little higher.

Harry smiled. "They were talking about your looks." The younger man shrugged and Severus continued to pour the drinks. "That's when I told them I'd be spending time with you alone."

Severus felt a little sparkle of surprise when Harry studied him intently.

"I wish I could have told them that I find every bit of you ... is you," Harry murmured. "You're strangely attractive, do you know?"

The older, ebony-haired wizard blinked. "No, Harry. I don't."

Harry suddenly laughed, and not for the first time, Severus felt mesmerized by the sound.

"We'll continue this later. Let's dig in!"

Severus smiled faintly as they started to eat. He turned his head to look at the wizard beside him occasionally and noticed the peaceful look on the younger man's face. Harry's appetite was doing better than most days too.

Harry gave a little burp in the middle of their meal. Severus almost choked on his casserole when Harry's turned red with embarrassment.

"Sorry," Harry apologized.

"As long as it is discreet, Harry, I don't mind," Severus said gently and Harry chuckled softly.

"Is this what 'normal' feels like?" Harry inquired in a dreamy voice. "I feel ... I feel like I'm human again."

"Perhaps this is the most ideal time for you to focus on your ... emotional needs." Severus smiled.

"Yeah. It's just ... me. I feel like me."

"Silly brat." Severus put down his knife and placed his fingers under Harry's chin. He pulled it, leaned forward, and kissed Harry softly on the lips. "Now, I believe we were eating..."

Harry laughed and started to eat again.

About an hour later, content and slightly drowsy, Severus and his lover rested in bed.

"So ... do you want to know why I think that you are strangely attractive?" Harry piped up.

Severus snorted a little. "I am not even aware that I can be attractive to anyone."

"Just one. Just one. I think I'm lucky that I'm the one," Harry said. The lips that brushed against Severus' cheek were soft and loving, and it made Severus' lips tingle slightly with anticipation. "My attraction to you is not purely physical ... well, maybe. Does magic count as physical?"

"Magic is ... intangible, but as it gives out force, it may be," Severus answered a little dubiously.

"Okay." Harry's finger was doing very distracting things on his chest. Severus had a hard time convincing his mind to pay attention to what Harry had to say, rather than to pay attention to the sensations of his nipple being rubbed in circles through the thin layer of silk robe. "Okay, so I am attracted to your power. Your presence. Your magic that defines your presence. I am not that attracted to your ... ah ... intimidating personality, although they have thought that. They think that's what, er, made me fell for you."

Severus' eyebrow lifted into an elegant arch. "So, what did you fell for then? Do not include my undoubtedly, powerful presence that has somehow become an attractant for you," he said with amusement.

"Believe it or not, Severus." Harry laughed a little. "I think I actually fell for the art of Severus Snape's sarcasm."

"That's ridiculous!" Severus protested.

"It was not, of course, because of that silky voice you always use," Harry said quickly but that did not reassure Severus in the slightest. "It's your intelligence. The Occlumency lessons just doubled that attraction. I had glimpses of your life, and each time, I had just wanted to know more." Harry's voice had turned mellow. "Each time, I just felt like I wanted to understand you more. I wanted to accept you. By the time that I had realized that I was lost beneath the layers of you, it was already too late. I knew that I could never get myself out of you anymore. Not that I want to get out of there."

Severus looked down at the same time Harry lifted his face.

"But it was this that had pulled me."

Harry stopped toying with his nipple and laid the flat of his palm on his chest, where his heart thudded steadily.

"I wanted to love you. To care for you," Harry said softly. "And I did."

"Why?" Severus could not believe it. Why would Harry do something like that for a man who had somewhat tortured him for the past seven years?

"Because it is what I wanted to do. It is something I needed to do," Harry said simply. "Because loving you is a decision that I made on my own. Not you. Not Professor Dumbledore. Just me. Harry. Just Harry."

Severus still did not understand why of all people, Harry had chosen to love him. With eyes that were gleaming slightly with tears, Severus pulled his lover close to him.

"I love you, Severus," Harry said, his voice muffled in Severus' chest.

Severus did not reply immediately, as his throat was so tight with emotion. Finally, in a hoarse voice, he managed to say, "I love you too."

Several minutes passed in silence as the two wizards breathed and simply held each other.

"When ... why...?"

"When I started to care for you?" Severus supplied. "I always have. Since you came to Hogwarts."

"I know," a muffled voice answered. "I mean ... when did it start to become something more?"

The older wizard heard something in Harry's voice that made him frown a little and he took several minutes to figure what it was. "Harry, I do not love you because you're safe to love and I certainly do not love you because you're someone I could protect. I can't love someone like that," Severus said thoughtfully. "My feelings changed when I started seeing you, talking and listening to you like an equal. Those practices, the more we practiced with each other, the more it felt like I was challenging and training myself."

"Oh." Harry lifted himself up slightly and went back to resting by his side.

"And when you kept coming to me ... with all those little gestures," Severus smiled at the memory of their first kiss, "it made me feel ... cherished."

"Special," Harry whispered.

It was somewhat strange, unnerving, yet pleasing, to have the pair of brilliant, emerald eyes - usually screened by lenses - staring intently into his pair of obsidian ones.

"Yes," Severus murmured and reached out to cup one side of Harry's face. "I feel special because of you."

Harry gave him that unique look. It was not much but the dreamy look in his green eyes and the way he was licking his lips invitingly told Severus that Harry was yearning for a kiss. He looked utterly adorable.

Severus chuckled lightly as he turned his body and leaned on one elbow while the other caressed Harry's cheek. His eyes focused on the delectable red lips and he waited until the urge to trace those lips with his tongue became too strong for him to ignore.

He sighed in contentment when their lips finally touched. The kiss was slow, soft and light, and Severus was amazed by Harry's patience and control. There was no rush to change the slow, calm kiss into an ardent one that would inevitably lead to something more physical, and Severus was grateful. It was making this kiss more significant in a way. It was as though they were bonding, knowing each other, and uniting their hearts.

They parted for air two minutes later and looked deeply into each other's eyes as they tried to catch their breath. Then they kissed again and they continued to do so until they felt satisfied.

Severus was still surprised that it had not driven Harry mad with the want of sex. Instead, his Harry was quite content with what they were doing now; they were snuggling and were preparing to sleep.

"Harry, you're a wonderful person. Lovely as well," Severus whispered.

"Thank you, love. The kisses were lovely too."

-oOoxoOo-

Severus awoke feeling very warm and comfortable. He pried his eyes open and blinked several times to clear his vision. His bedroom glowed softly with the natural, green luminescence and it enabled him to study his sleeping lover without summoning light using his wand.

Harry appeared restful and content as he slept with limbs entangled with those of Severus. The older wizard smiled and touched Harry's cheek lightly with his fingers. They moved tenderly along the side of Harry's face and then they brushed upward. Severus threaded his fingers into the mane of thick, black hair and smoothed them patiently. Then he chuckled when Harry's hair refused to cooperate and returned to their 'sticking out' positions.

"Maybe you should let your hair grow," Severus whispered to himself, and tried to imagine how Harry would look like with shoulder-length hair.

He continued to stroke Harry's hair as he examined the fading lightning-shaped scar. A soft sigh escaped from Harry's lips and black eyes moved to watch the closed eyelids. Under his hands, Harry started to squirm and stretch. Harry's eyelashes fluttered for several seconds before the emerald eyes opened.

"Good morning," Harry said softly, brushing the tip of his finger along Severus' cheek in greeting.

"Good morning," Severus responded and kissed Harry. A soft pop informed him that Dobby was present. "What is it?"

"It's the Headmaster, sir. Dobby is sent to inform Professor Snape that the fireplace in the Great Hall is ready for use."

"We're Floo-ing to Diagon Alley?" Harry asked sleepily.

"Yes. You wish to buy a dress robe, isn't that correct?" Severus planted a gentle kiss on Harry's brow.

"Several dress robes," Harry corrected with a sleepy smile.

"Shall Dobby retrieve the Floo Powder for Professor Snape and Mister Harry Potter?"

"I kept the pouch in the desk inside the study. Top drawer," Severus told the house-elf.

"Dobby will get it for Professor. Dobby will wait in the Great Hall." The creature disappeared from the bedroom.

"Well, that's a signal for us to get ready then," Harry mumbled and sat up. "Damn ... it's so good sleeping with you," the emerald-eyed wizard commented as he rubbed his eyes.

"Did you sleep well?"

"I feel like I had a good rest," Harry said cheerfully.

Severus sat up as well and all of a sudden, he parted Harry's sleeping robe and inspected the scarred chest.

"Er, Severus?" Harry sounded slightly nervous.

"They are still hurting, aren't they?" Severus asked quietly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"They'll fade in time, won't they?" Harry sounded slightly sheepish.

Severus sighed. "There is a reason why I have brewed the salve. It's for your chest, my love, so that you can be comfortable. It's no wonder that you haven't been sleeping well." He saw his lover wincing at his deduction and he laughed. Harry smiled weakly at him.

"I am a bad liar sometimes, aren't I?" Harry looked slightly rueful.

"You are. Most of the time."

"I'm crushed."

The Potions Master slipped off the bed and took hold of Harry's hands. "I'll put on some of the salve on your chest later. It'll ease the discomfort and I think you'll have a more pleasant time when you're shopping for things."

"You are a thoughtful man when you want to be," Harry remarked.

"Hmmmm."

-oOoxoOo-

Along one side of the streets of Diagon Alley, there was a string of people queuing outside Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions shop. Severus had no time to sympathize with them, who were no doubt, tired of the sweltering heat as they waited to be let into the shop. From the moment Harry and he had stepped into the store, his lover had dragged him to the back of the store, and had immediately chosen a set of wizard robes. Before Severus had a chance to blink, Harry had ushered him to a cubicle and had begged him with an adorable look to try them.

Severus had frowned at his lover slightly. After all, it was Harry who was in need of new dress robes. Now that he was dressed in the robes Harry had chosen, Severus could not help but feel astonished and embarrassed at the same time.

It was somewhat strange to see himself wearing a white shirt and the voluminous white-and-silver robes. Pure white was not a color he would wear boldly in public, and embroidered apparel was not usually appealing for him. Fortunately, the silver thread shined only minimally when he turned.

"Severus! Come on out! I want to see!" Harry's voice penetrated the small changing cubicle.

He paused, and looked again at his reflection. Did he really want to be seen wearing something like this? It felt somewhat ... extravagant.

"Severus!"

He opened the door of his cubicle and stepped out hesitantly.

"Severus." Harry's eyes widened. The older wizard saw his eyes moving down and moving up. "Severus - wow," his lover said breathlessly. "You look..." His voice trailed off as he stared at Severus in amazement.

"Harry, why did you want me to try this on?" Severus croaked. His voice was suddenly hoarse with shyness.

"Well ... I thought you would look good in them. I had seen the robes when I'd visited the shop before school started so I thought..." Harry blinked. "Severus, would you wear this for the ball?"

The Potions Master blinked, shifted on his feet, and managed to look a little bashful. Harry continued to stare at him with a pair of wonder-filled eyes.

"Ahem."

Severus turned at the voice. His blush cooled off immediately upon recognizing the proprietor of the store.

"So sorry to disturb you folks," Madam Malkin began, "but perhaps you could explain why," she pointed her finger in the direction of the door, "a lot of students are coming back to my shop?" The squat witch appeared bewildered.

"Oh. We have a ball next Saturday. Professor Dumbledore gave us permission to get robes for the occasion," Harry answered quickly.

"Oh, I see," Madam Malkin responded with a bright smile. "It's been a while since business is so brisk! So sorry to disturb you - please do continue to try on more robes." She went off.

"Severus?" Harry looked at him pleadingly.

"Are you sure you want me to wear this?" Severus asked in a raspy voice.

"Yes. You look wonderful in them."

Severus feigned a thoughtful look. "I will, but only if you agree to wear something that I choose."

Harry started. "Er, okay. But promise me you won't get me sleeves of the frilly kind."

"I do not intend to dress my beloved as though he was born in the eighteen hundreds," Severus replied with amusement. "I think I'll choose robes of this cut. It's smart and casual, formal if you behave as such, and I think you'll feel comfortable in them."

"I don't think I'll look good in silver," Harry said in a dubious voice. "White is okay..."

"No, Harry. Silver is not what I have in mind." A faint smile twitched on his lips. "Allow me a moment to change back into my robes. We'll shop around for your robes then."

"Okay. I'll wait here."

Severus changed quickly and folded his new robes neatly before coming out of the cubicle. Madam Malkin was standing beside Harry, looking expectant. Severus handed her his newly acquired robes. She had a very interested and curious expression on her face but she did not go as far as to ask him - or Harry - embarrassing questions the moment he set off to get something appropriate for Harry.

However, he could not find robes of a suitable color for Harry. He knew that dark red would be all right for his lover, but that color reminded him too strongly of Voldemort. No, red just would not do. Severus almost snorted as he stood back and glared at the racks.

"Perhaps I may be of help," Madam Malkin announced in a very mild tone.

"Are there any robes that are of the shades of gold?" Severus asked in an annoyed voice.

"Well, yes, but they aren't... what color, exactly, do you wish for this young man to try?"

"Something..." Severus frowned as he thought about it carefully. "Pale gold ... almost beige but very light."

"I'll see if I have stock of that color," the woman said dubiously, giving Severus to hold his new robes once more, as she wandered off.

"Gold?" Harry looked as though he wanted to laugh.

"Do not worry. I do not intend to make you look shiny, Harry," Severus said dryly. Then he tilted his head to one side and imagined his lover wearing such robes. "Definitely not gold. But something lighter will make you look..." His face turned dreamy suddenly.

Harry sidled against his side.

"Make me look what?" Harry whispered.

"Enchanting," Severus whispered in response.

"I have what you want, Professor, but I do not think your companion will be flattered." Madam Malkin reappeared with some materials draped on her left arm. She handed an ivory-colored tunic with gold-threaded designs to Severus.

"Severus..." Harry let out a sigh.

The Potions Master was not ready to give up however. "If you do not like the frills at all, we can remove it."

While Harry brightened up at the idea, Madam Malkin was not enthusiastic at all. "Now that, sir, is highly inappropriate! This is quite-"

"- fancy, I do not doubt. But I have thoughts of sewing almost, translucent material under them, to give the sleeves the appearances of being airy." Severus watched the witch carefully and smirked as her eyes narrowed shrewdly.

"I see, I see," she said absently. "Why don't you return in the evening, say at five? I will replace the frills with something plainer if that's what you wish. Then your companion may try on the robes."

"Very well."

"Severus, are you sure? Won't that ... make me look as though I'm washed out?" Harry asked somewhat tentatively but Madam Malkin responded with a contemptuous sniff.

"I doubt it, young man. You will come again this evening. Once I have the shirt ready, and iron the rest of the robes, you will look very charming indeed." The witch then set off to work and Harry and Severus went to the counter to pay for his robes.

They left the shop - and the queue - for the Leaky Cauldron. Tom instantly came around to greet them and Severus requested, somewhat curtly, for a room. The request seemed to shock the hunchback and Severus and Tom stared at each other for very long moments.

"Well, yes. Of course, Professor. Certainly," Tom said quickly the moment Severus started to scowl. "This way."

As Severus and Harry trailed after the innkeeper, heads and faces turned in their direction and gaped at the sight of Harry Potter.

"Shadowed by the most remarkable Potions Master."

Severus glanced curiously at his lover. "You said something?"

"Just grumbling to myself, Severus," Harry muttered.

They were free from the gazes of the many patrons of the inn once they were on the staircase. Severus strolled almost leisurely after the innkeeper.

"Here you are, Professor," the man said as he pushed a door open. "Fourteen Sickles for a night."

Severus gave the man five of the silver coins. Before Tom could protest, he spoke in a lazy drawl. "We are only staying until this evening and we will not be staying for dinner. However, we would like lunch to be sent up immediately."

Tom still looked as though he wanted to protest but he wavered at Severus' dark gaze. "Very well, very well, Professor. I understand."

"Should I find anything ... distasteful in our meal..." Severus' voice trailed off rather ominously.

"I assure you, that although our meal standards aren't that high, they will be excellent still." The hunchback wizard bowed and continued to do so until he was well out of sight.

"Severus," Harry called reproachfully.

The older wizard merely smiled and held the door open. Harry looked at him straight in the face before sighing. The emerald-eyed Gryffindor entered the room and Severus followed. He left the door open but reminded himself to secure it from intruders afterwards.

Severus crossed the room and placed his package on top of a dresser, then paused to look out the window. It was sunny and bright, and Severus was tempted to slide the window open. Then a loud grating sound suddenly filled the air. He sighed as he watched the Muggle train sped past. He turned around and looked on as Harry sat down on a chair.

"It's really quite embarrassing that he gave us this room," Harry said in a casual tone. Severus slowly looked around the room and he winced. "It looks as though it is usually rented out for the purpose of..." Harry did not finish his sentence, as his eyes were fixed on several silk bonds that had been lain neatly on the bed.

He could not help the blush from tinting his cheeks. "It is."

"But we came here to eat and to spend some quiet moments alone," Harry said with a faint smile. "Although the idea is quite intriguing, I'd rather do it in a place that ... ah ... is not as public as this. That Tom certainly has an odd sense of humor."

Severus was spared from answering Harry when Tom returned with their lunch. The hunchback did not linger however. When he left, Severus waved his wand at the door and locked it.

-oOoxoOo-

At five in the afternoon, Severus and Harry left the Leaky Cauldron and went back to Madam Malkin's shop. There was no queue but to their surprise, the store was crowded inside. Severus quickly looked around, trying to find the Madam Malkin.

"Ah! There you are!" Someone bustled through the crowd and Madam Malkin made her appearance. "This way. Excuse me! Excuse me!" she repeated as she cleared a path for the couple. She ushered Harry into a small room and Severus followed, half expecting the squat woman to send him out. However, it seemed that she wanted him to be there when Harry tried on the robes.

The black-robed wizard sat down on a nearby stool and watched with a smirk as Harry stripped off his clothes. His lover's cheeks reddened with embarrassment and Severus stared unabashedly at his black, silk underwear.

"Here you go," Madam Malkin said cheerfully as she handed Harry a pair of ivory-colored pants and she appeared undisturbed by the major scars on Harry's chest. Severus' eyes followed as Harry pulled on his trousers and frowned slightly - not out of annoyance but interest - as the garment gleamed.

A dark thing caught his attention and it took him several seconds to realize what it was. His eyes widened and his pulse started to race when he imagined tracing Harry's navel with his tongue. Severus shook his head and looked on as Harry wore a matching tunic. Pale-gold fabric replaced the sleeves with almost-girlish frills. The new sleeves flowed about Harry's arms sensuously. Severus could no longer stand being so curious about why Harry's clothes were gleaming so he motioned the Gryffindor to come forward.

"Oh." The word escaped from his lips before he could stop himself. His eyes flickered upward to meet Harry's eyes briefly and then he studied the phoenixes sewn with gold thread all over the suit. He had not noticed them earlier.

"Now, if you're happy with that, Mister Potter, put this on," Madam Malkin interrupted with a high, amused voice.

Severus stared at Harry with dreamy contentment. As he predicted, his lover looked exquisite in his full wizard attire. However, there was something out of place. Severus looked at Harry's shoes thoughtfully.

"Let's get you a new pair of shoes," he said absently.

"Hmmmm?" Harry peered over his shoulder and gave Severus an inquiring look.

The Potions Master rose to his feet and approached his lover. Madam Malkin left the two of them alone in an inconspicuous fashion and closed the door quietly. Severus looked at the door for a moment before placing his hand on the younger wizard's shoulder. Then he gently turned Harry so that his lover faced him.

"Severus?" Harry looked at him in puzzlement.

"You look wonderful," Severus whispered as his face leaned closer to that of the young man before him. Why did Harry's lips beckon to him so strongly? He brushed his thumb gently across the lower lip. "But you need matching boots."

"Black's not okay?" Harry asked him in a small voice.

Severus shook his head. "The color is too strong and it clashes with your robes," he said softly.

"Oh. Okay."

They did not say anything after that as Severus had claimed Harry's lips. Lost in the kiss and in each other's embrace, they were not aware of the door opening and of a witch staring at them in shock. However, when Severus heard a click, he stopped and stared at the door. It was closed. Thinking that perhaps it was just his imagination, he shrugged and pulled Harry closer. Harry tilted his head back to look up at him, lips slightly parted as he panted and his face flushed with arousal.

"Maybe we should look for my shoes now," Harry said in a hushed tone.

"Scared, Mister Potter?" Severus asked in a low, almost seductive, purr.

Harry growled softly and he pressed forward suddenly. Severus gasped in surprise when he felt teeth latching on the side of his neck and started to nibble it provocatively.

"If you continue to talk like that, Professor," Harry paused to suck on the flesh and Severus groaned, "I might not care to wait until I graduate."

"Do not provoke me, Mister Potter," Severus hissed and pulled gently on Harry's hair. Harry had no choice but to lean back. Severus bit gently on the exposed throat and worried his lover's flesh. He wondered if Harry knew how delicious he sounded, with his voice low and dangerous.

"Severus..." Harry's eyes gazed penetratingly into his own.

The Potions Master smirked.

-oOoxoOo-

They Floo-ed back to Hogwarts and to the displeasure of the Head of Slytherin, students gathered in front of the fireplace in the Great Hall. Severus barely managed to shake his hair out of his eyes when Harry appeared and tumbled forward.

Rather embarrassingly, arms wrapped about Severus' waist and he felt Harry pulling him backward to prevent the two of them from falling forward.

"That is really weird."

Severus frowned heavily at the silver-haired Slytherin in front of him. "Get out of my face, Draco," he barked and Draco jumped at his voice.

"You get out of the way, Professor," Draco Malfoy said a little weakly. "They're coming out at any second."

Suddenly, a loud screech pierced the air and Severus whirled, and found himself lying flat on his back with Harry on top of him. However, why did Harry feel so heavy?

"Get off me." Harry's voice sounded weak and scratchy.

"Greg! Off! Off! Never again will I use the Floo Network!" a girl shrieked fiercely.

"Get off my girl, Goyle!"

"Severus!"

"Wonderful," the Potions Master muttered. Professor McGonagall's face appeared above him, looking very much scandalized.

"If the students had not circled the bloody fireplace, I would have been in the safety of my chambers this very minute," Severus said peevishly.

"Dear me."

"Shut up, Lupin."

"Now, now, Severus," the Defense professor started cheerfully.

It felt like an eternity had passed before Lupin and the other students succeeded in extracting Gregory Goyle and Alvis Lillington from Harry and Severus.

The Slytherin professor sat up carefully and examined Harry's pale face. Their eyes met and Severus looked at him inquiringly.

"I'm okay. Just a little startled." Harry smiled weakly.

"Good." Severus nodded and helped Harry up to his feet. He paused to glare at his students and they cringed at his direct gaze.

"Professor. They have done nothing wrong. It was just an accident," Harry said somewhat cheekily.

Severus grunted something noncommittally. "Come." He took hold of Harry's elbow and tugged gently.

"Wait ... our robes... shoes..." Harry summoned their packages and with a bright smile, handed the bags to Severus. The Potions Master shook his head but did not comment.

"Did you two have fun?" a voice piped out once Severus stepped out of the Great Hall. Hermione Granger came into view with a very impish smile. A gloomy-looking Ronald Weasley stood behind her.

"Er ... yeah. I guess we did," Harry answered cautiously.

"I thought I saw you did," Hermione said enthusiastically. "Oh, I hope you bought a new pair of shoes to suit your robes, Harry. Black boots seem to strong." Then she quickly hurried into the hall. Her chuckles reached Severus' ears when Harry started to swear loudly.

"She didn't have to tell me but she did," Weasley grumbled and took off.

"They saw us?" Harry asked in a strained voice. Severus did not answer. Fortunately, the appearance of Dobby vanquished his feeling of embarrassment at being spied on.

"Dobby has dinner ready for two, sir," the house-elf said in a high voice.

"Good."

"Dobby has the tub ready for bath too!"

"Excellent." Severus nodded his approval and Dobby vanished.

"Tub?"

"Fancy taking a bath with me?" Severus whispered enticingly into Harry's ear.

"Severus!" Harry gasped. "If ... then - then I will not be able to wait until I graduate!"

Severus smirked. "Aren't you up for a small challenge, Mister Potter?"

"Are you being funny, love?"

"As you know, my dearest Harry, my sense of humor is rather faulty."

"Up for a challenge indeed. I'm up," Harry muttered darkly.

Severus laughed a rich, deep sound as they went down the staircase.

-oOoxoOo-

On To Part Three