Age is Just a Word Chapter 12

[goldpemcorgi]

Here's the long awaited 12th chapter of Age is just a word. Hope you like.



Age is Just A Word
Chapter 12
By Corgi

Harry slowly opened his eyes and winced as the light stabbed into his eyes. His head was killing him as were his back, arms and legs. He ran a trembling hand over his face and felt the returned 'baby' fat in face. Not that he had much to begin with. He glanced slowly around the room and his eyes rested on Severus' still unconscious form. He was the age they started this mess with and Harry felt a twinge of unease as he watched the man's breathing. 'Would he still want me?' He couldn't help thinking that. Thanks to the Dursley's his self-esteem wasn't quite what it should be. Severus' face was smooth, without frown or scowl lines as he lay unconscious before the fire in his rooms. Harry looked around some more and saw Albus sitting in the arm chair watching over them with the twinkle going full blast in his eyes.

"What are you…" Harry started to ask the headmaster, but Severus moaned lightly and began stirring, distracting Harry from his demand.

Harry turned his attention completely to Severus and watched as he blinked into consciousness. Harry couldn't suppress the anxiety and fear bubbling up inside him. He was afraid that Severus would change his mind despite his pledge to the contrary earlier. Severus' eyes opened while Harry's attention was focused inward, he could feel the heat of the other's gaze, and when Harry forced is mind outwards to look at the older man he found that Severus was watching him intently. From the look on Severus' face, Harry guessed that the black-eyed man knew what he was thinking.

"What did I tell you earlier?" Severus asked him in a stern voice, confirming Harry's hypothesis.

"I remember; it's just hard to believe it despite the fact you've never lied to me." Harry said quietly.

"I know reliable people are few and far between for you, but I do not change my mind once it's made up, unless you're having second thoughts?"

"I'm not. I've had a crush on you for a while now. I've never expected anything to come of it. After all nothing I ever did seemed to meet your standards, despite how hard I tried." Harry said and in a lower voice added. "You do realize that the Headmaster is hanging on our every word with those blasted twinkling eyes of his."

"Damn," Severus spat and turned to glare at the elderly wizard sitting in his chair.

"It's nice to know the two of you are able to set aside your differences. It will benefit us all in the long run." Albus told the two of them, acting as if their affectionate display in the Hospital Wing never occurred and that their relationship was new to him. Harry knew that the old man was doing it to annoy Severus and it was working if Harry could guess by the look in Severus' eyes.

"I do wish you'd be able to butt out of our private affairs for once, Albus." Severus snarled.

"I would at this point, Severus, but there are other things we must discuss. There is addition information you must consider before making any plans to face Voldemort."

"Is there any particular reason you didn't tell us everything before we decided to take the antidote, Albus?" Severus asked in a steely voice.

"Simply because of the information I received from Lucius Malfoy while questioning him under Veritaserum."

"Well, spit it out!" Severus' annoyance was escalating.

"We've found out that Voldemort has been siphoning off Harry's magical energy through their link. Occlumency will help, but Harry's emotions, while a hindrance in learning that branch of magic, are also his most powerful weapon against Voldemort."

"So in other words, Albus, the Dark Lord's theft was keeping Harry from being at full power and there's a risk of him also affecting my power too." Severus asked.

Yes, and if it continues Harry won't attain his magic majority." Albus stated baldly.

"What can we do? It'll take too long to teach Harry Occlumency especially since I have to teach him the basics every magical child learns from the cradle."

"There is something you can do. At this point your bond strong enough to double your magical abilities, but there is another step that will allow you both to borrow magical strength from the other as well as other benefits."

"Please get to the point, Albus." Severus huffed in annoyance and glared at the bearded wizard.

"If you and Harry complete the bond with a physical joining you'll each gain one or more abilities the other has and you, Severus, can occlude Harry's mind and prevent Voldemort from stealing power through the strengthened bond between you."

Harry looked back and forth between the two men as the conversation went on and he felt like he was watching a tennis match. If it continued much longer he'd have to see Madam Pomfrey for neck strain. Harry wasn't completely sure what the Headmaster was implying while he spoke to Severus, but for some reason Harry feared the results of whatever course the older wizard was trying to push them into. Severus wasn't done arguing with the Headmaster and Harry lost track to the conversation. He gathered his rampant thoughts and voiced a question.

"Headmaster, are you sure that it must be done?"

"I feel that it does, Harry."

"We'll discuss it later, Harry. We still have some time before the Dark Lord does the ritual. It must be done on the night of the new moon and full moon is next weekend." Severus told Harry while glaring at the Headmaster.

"Severus, it needs to stabilize before you can use it."

"I am well aware of that and I'm also aware that you are rushing a fragile, new relationship into something neither of us is ready for. I've already lost one person dear to my heart. I refuse to lose another when I can prevent it. We will talk about it and we'll inform you of our decision."

"Severus, you have a soul…" Albus started to protest, but Harry knowing exactly what Severus was trying to get across to the stubborn Headmaster.

"Just because we have that bond doesn't erase the past differences we had. We barely know each other and if we don't get to do that and mend our fences then the bond means nothing at all." Harry said quietly, wondering if he got his point across or if he muddled it completely.

"Harry's quite right, Albus, we've enough on our plate without the added stress. We'll start the Occlumency lessons while we discuss the other matter. I suggest you allow us to get on with our business. You've got a school to run and other lives to meddle in."

The Headmaster got the hint and left the room after a quiet farewell, though the twinkle in his eye relit brightly as he left. Harry and Severus sat quietly for a long while after the elderly wizard left, each lost in their own thoughts. Harry really couldn't organize his racing thoughts into any semblance of order. Between the risk to himself and possibly Severus and the fates awaiting thirteen children if they failed to stop Voldemort their developing relationship seemed like a very childish thing to worry about, though it was a high priority to Harry. He didn't notice that Severus was looking at him while trying to organize his mind into something easier to deal with. It wasn't until Severus slipped an arm around him and pulled him closer that he left the confines of his chaotic mind. He readily abandoned his racing thoughts in favour of relaxing into Severus' embrace.

"Are you all right, Harry?" Severus asked quietly.

"I guess. I'm just confused about the whole thing. Everything Voldemort's doing is making everything a jumble inside my head. I want to stop him, but I don't want to do it now. I just want to spend my time with you. I know it's selfish, but I can't help it."

"It's acceptable to be selfish at times, Harry. I do know how you feel. I have the same sentiments right now, but despite what we want we have to deal with the Dark Lord and his plans. You also have exams to worry about; Albus may let you take them during the holiday given the circumstances." Severus replied.

"Oh, I forgot about those. So we'll start Occlumency tomorrow?" Harry waited for Severus' nod of confirmation. "Is it going to be as bad as the last time?"

"It shouldn't. The circumstances between us are different than they were two years ago. I also won't need a pensieve so you'll have nothing to snoop in." Severus said with none of the anger he showed back then.

"I'm sorry." Harry said quietly while trying to move away. Severus wouldn't allow him to do so and held him closer than before.

"At least you didn't tell anyone, especially your friends."

"That became my second most frequent nightmare during that summer, except instead of you it was me and in place of my dad was my cousin Dudley." Harry told the older man beside him. "The thought of Dudley with a wand makes me consider joining the other side."

"Dudley was your James, I take it?"

"Yeah, he was the reason I had no friends when I was younger. He also instigated more of my accidental magic before Hogwarts. My aunt and uncle were next in line for that honor."

"I suggest that during your Occlumency lessons when we break into each other's minds we shall explain what the other person saw and trade similar scenes from our pasts. That way everything will be fairly even handed during your lessons and we shall still be getting to know each other as we do so. Tonight I'll teach you a few meditation techniques that will help you clear your mind, but first I want to hunt down Lucius. Knowing Albus as well as I do, Lucius is still in the castle." Severus looked at Harry thoughtfully. "Do you have your invisibility cloak here?"

"Yeah, it's in my trunk. Do you want to borrow it?"

"No, you're going to use it. You'll e carrying my clothing and potions kit."

"Okay," Harry said slowly as he tried to work out why Severus needed him to carry his clothes, his train of thought frequently being derailed by images of a naked Severus parading before his mind's eye. Eventually he realized that Severus intended to use a potion and that wouldn't hide his clothing. Severus snorted with amusement as he read Harry's expression of dawning understanding. Harry gave him a mild glare in return.

"You'd best change out of those. You'll trip in my clothes now." Severus told him with a smirk.

"I know; it makes me regret taking the antidote. Why do you think Voldemort had a dosed with a reversible potion?"

"The Dark Lord's knowledge of potions is superficial. He doesn't know which ones have antidotes and which don't. I didn't brew the potion we were given, so even if they were what the Dark Lord thought they were they probably wouldn't have worked properly. Let's hurry and find Lucius before the Headmaster or McGonagall shows up to bother us some more."

Harry quickly went to his trunk and pulled out a change of clothing as well as his invisibility cloak. He changed out of the clothes Severus lent him and into his hand me downs from Dudley. He fingered the white shirt sadly before putting in the hamper near the bedroom door. When Severus came back from the bathroom Harry could feel the weight of the older man's gaze as his clothing's condition was noted by the observant man. Harry couldn't keep himself from looking down at the floor in shame.

"I know it's not your fault. I've been aware since your first years that your relatives refused to spend money on you." Severus said quietly while lifting Harry's chins so he would look into the man's eyes. "What happened to the other clothes you wore the other day?"

"The house-elves haven't returned them yet. Dobby and Winky are probably making alterations on them since Fred, George and Ron are taller than I am." Harry shrugged slightly before continuing. "I would have bought new clothes, but I'm afraid of my relatives finding out my parents left me gold. They wouldn't hesitate in trying to seize it."

"I understand, Harry. I do. My father used every penny we had to support the Dark Lord. We had nothing because of him." Severus told Harry, still with a soft tone. "I'm going to take this potion. Just take my trousers and robes along with my potions kit." Severus held up a black bag Harry associated with doctors from the cinema on those rare times he snuck a peak at an old movie on the Dursley's telly.

Harry nodded his head to indicate he understood and waited patiently for Severus' belongs to be removed. He watched in fascination as Severus drank the potion in on gulp. The older man started to strip off his clothes as they waited for the potion to take effect. It was quite a sight when the potion started to work. Harry surmised that the potion worked from the inside out, when he noticed the light from the torch behind Severus beginning to shine through him, much like Aunt Petunia's horrid lampshades in the parlor. Harry gathered Severus' trousers and robes from the bed where the other man left them neatly folder. One he secured the clothing against his chest, Harry picked up the potions kit and carefully drew his cloak around him. He glanced in the full length mirror to make sure he was completely covered and then waited patiently for Severus to indicate he was ready to go. Harry jumped when Severus touched his shoulder even though he was expecting it.

Severus' hand trailed down his arm until he was able to grasp Harry's hand. The invisible Potions Master led Harry to the only bare wall in entire suite of rooms. Harry saw a brick depress and a quiet grinding sound filled the small area they were in. The wall swung away to reveal a secret passage and Severus led him through the walls of the castle. After twenty or more minutes of walking through the passage way that lit up as they entered each section and too many twists and turns to count, Severus paused and Harry heard him fiddling along the wall. He saw two small holes appear out of thin air briefly before he heard Severus slide something across them. During the whole maneuver Severus never let go of Harry's hand and began pulling him along the passageway again.

Severus repeated their previous stop several times more before he let out a hiss of satisfaction. Severus cautiously whispered instructions to Harry, who obeyed without a sound. At Severus' direction Harry pulled off his cloak and set down the dragon hide bag with Severus' potions, and handed the man his trousers and robe. Harry smirked at the fact that they didn't bring along Severus' shoes. Severus on the other hand ignored him in favour of searching through the potions kit. Harry watched one bottle float through the air to where Severus' head would be if it was visible. The bottle was drained by the Potions Master and Harry had to try and restrain himself from vomiting as Severus came back into view. His insides reappeared before the rest of him was an unsettling thing to watch. Severus chuckled lightly as at his reaction, but didn't say a word as he grabbed his potions kit and signaled Harry to follow.

They moved a few feet down the narrow passageway and Harry watched as Severus tapped the wall in a pattern several times before the wall slid away allowing them passage into the room. Severus stepped into the room beyond and began casting spells. Harry lost track after the silencing and locking charms since Severus was firing off spells at an astonishing rate. When Severus finished securing the room he pointed at a chair and Harry sat in it and did his best to remain unobtrusive as Severus went to work. Lucius Malfoy was in the bed in a drugged sleep. Harry watched Severus spell the man nude and bind the blonde spread-eagle on the bed. Harry was amazed as Severus leaned over to smell Malfoy's breath and then pull a vial from his kit. Harry surmised that the potion was the antidote to what ever potion was fed to the older man, especially after it was poured down Malfoy's throat and caused the blonde to splutter awake.

"What do you want, traitor?" Malfoy spat once he focused on Severus' looming form.

"Answers." Severus bit off before turning back to his bag of potions. He rummaged in it as Malfoy snapped.

"You'll get nothing from me." Harry was waiting for Severus to wipe that smug look off of Malfoy's face.

"Oh, I shall, Lucius. I shall." Severus straightened with four vials firmly in his grasp as well as a pair of Muggle latex gloves.

"I've already told the old fool everything I know thanks to your blasted Veritaserum." Malfoy spat. "Why don't you drop the glamours? I know what happened to you!"

"There are no glamours in use here." Severus said in a bland voice.

"Don't lie to me traitor. Those potions were irreversible!"

"Too bad the Dark Lord neglected his potions studies when he was in school. His knowledge is worse than Potter's." Severus smirked at the prone blonde and cast the charms that revealed their ages. "Even if it was the potion he thought it was, I would have been able to devise a counter for it. A fact he shouldn't have forgotten as well as the ample amount of hands I can requisition at a moment's notice." Severus had a smug look on his face before continuing. "You will give me answers. I know you were trained by the Dark Lord to evade the effects of Veritaserum with half-truths."

Malfoy paled to a bluish tone before gathering his composure and attempting to bait Severus. Harry settled back into his chair to enjoy the battle of wits that was soon to start. After all, Harry didn't believe anyone other than the Headmaster, was capable of besting Severus in a war of words. Perhaps he was biased, but he didn't care. As he waited to hear Malfoy's next sally, he practiced keeping his face void of all emotions.

"Since when does a prisoner about to be question need to be stripped naked, unless you're planning on teaching the boy a few things outside the regular Hogwarts curriculum?" Malfoy asked with a seductive looking smile. Harry guessed that Malfoy must have found out about them, but Malfoy's attack on him didn't seem to be a good move judging by the look on Severus' face. Harry couldn't even identify what he saw in those black eyes.

"There's nothing of that nature that I need your assistance for. You'd ruin him. You were the worst person in bed. I'm sure Narcissa would be happy to corroborate." Severus told the blonde with a smirk. "Of course, I've a whole array of potions that will give Harry a firm grounding in interrogation techniques." Severus pulled out the first of what looked to be a long line of potions given how heavy that bag was to carry.

Malfoy must have recognized the potion because he clamped his mouth shut. Severus smirked for a long moment before turning to Harry.

"Harry, come here." Severus ordered. "When I pry his mouth open, pour this into it. Keep your fingers clear."

When Harry indicated he understood and took the vial he stood back a step. He waited while Malfoy fought against Severus, who won in the end since he had the leverage. Once the blonde's mouth was open, Harry stepped forward and uncorked the vial. He poured the potion into the waiting orifice, all the while making sure his fingers were well away from the man's teeth and that he got every drop into Malfoy's mouth. Severus pointed to the chair Harry occupied earlier after he forced Malfoy to swallow the potion and Harry returned to watch Severus work. Severus waited for the potion to go to work and Harry could see beads of sweat glistening on Malfoy's forehead as the potion did its work. Malfoy fought his reaction to the potion, but was losing the battle, which Severus smiled that damning smile he usually gives to students he caught breaking the rules. When Severus was assured that the potion was working, he began to question the Malfoy patriarch.

"What are the Dark Lord's real plans, Malfoy?" Severus questioned in an even tone. When Malfoy glared and clenched his jaw against the potion's effects, Severus just continued his interrogation. "What are his plans?" When no answer came Severus smirked. "Feel free to scream, Lucius. No one will hear you."

Severus returned to his bag to retrieve yet another potion and this time applied it directly to the blonde's skin in a parody of a lover's caress. Everywhere the potion touched turned fiery red and the longer it remained on the man the more control Malfoy lost over his reactions. Potion after potion was used and after each one bean to work, Severus asked the same question. 'What are the Dark Lord's plans?' Harry fought to keep his expression blank and his eyes stone-like as he watched the Potion Master work. The effects of each potion was more horrible than the last it Harry didn't know how much longer he was going to be able to hold his composure. Honestly, he wanted to vomit as each potion began its work, but did his best to continue his act. Malfoy looked him right in the eyes as Severus turned to get another vial from his kit. Malfoy must have thought that Harry would beg Severus to stop and must have been looking for a hint of his feelings towards the proceedings. A small feeling of pride filled him when he realized his efforts to keep his face emotionless were working. Instead a look of panic filled the blonde's eyes when Harry's face didn't give away anything.

Severus pulled out and applied two more potions before Malfoy broke. The one that put him over the edge was the nastiest of the lot. Harry had to really fight his stomach as the potion went to work. Severus applied the potion directly to Malfoy's genitals and when it encountered the limp flesh it began to froth. Harry realized as the potion spread that it was eating away the man's flesh. As the pain registered, Malfoy let loose a piercing scream of agony and Harry nearly lost control of his stomach as he watched.

"What are the Dark Lord's plans, Lucius?" Severus demanded in a hollow, cold tone and Malfoy sung like a canary.

"The sacrifice of the thirteen children is a ruse to lure Potter closer to the Dark Lord. Thirteen of our children are going to be posing as the victims. My Lord figured the brat would run to the rescue of innocents. The boy is gullible and he believed the ruse would work again. He wanted Potter close enough so he could use the bond between them to drain the boy's magic completely in one quick maneuver." Malfoy spilled every plan the Dark Lord had between his screams of pain.

HP/SS HP/SS

Severus poured the antidote to the flesh eating potion over the remains of Lucius' genitals and stepped back with a satisfied smirk. There was no way for the man to have lied or leave anything out this time around. It was one of the beautiful aspects of Veritaserum. You could mix it with any other potion and it wouldn't lose its properties or react with the host potion to form another. Yet when it was mixed with pain inducing potions its efficiency doubled and in some cases quadrupled. Lucius was in too much pain to concentrate and therefore couldn't side step the truth potion.

Sever made sure to keep a close eye on Harry throughout the questioning and he was proud of the younger man. Harry managed to keep his composure and hid all traces of his revulsion. Lucius gambled on Harry's inability to hide his feelings and lost because of Harry's new found ability. Severus noticed that Harry was slowly losing his control and he acted quickly. He redressed the whimpering Lucius with a flick of his wand, poured a healing and sleeping draught down the pale throat, and gathered his potions and empty vials together. He checked the room for anything left behind and eradicated any sign of them being there. It wouldn't fool Albus, but it would keep the Aurors off his back. Once that was done he released the magical bonds keeping Lucius in place and opened the passage way so Harry could bolt out of it. Severus took another glance to make sure they didn't forget anything before taking down the locking and silencing spells he put up earlier. He closed the passage and grabbed Harry to lead him through several other braches of the passageway before coming to one secreted door far away from Lucius' prison so Harry could empty his stomach without the two Aurors guarding the blonde from hearing.

When Severus led the way into another guest room, Harry gave him a small grateful smile and ran to the bathroom, dropping both his invisibility cloak and Severus' potions kit onto the floor in his haste. Severus picked both off the floor and placed them on a chair before following Harry into the bathroom. Harry heaved the contents of his stomach into the porcelain bowl while Severus knelt behind him and rubbed the younger man's back. It was a long while before Harry's stomach settled and Severus ended up having to help the young man to his feet. Harry splashed some cold water onto his face before turning to Severus. Severus could see Harry's distress plainly in his green eyes. Harry took a deep, shaky breathe before speaking.

"I never want to see anything like that again." Harry said in a tight voice. "Was it really necessary?"

"I'm afraid it was, but I'll never ask you to come with me for one of these sessions again." Severus said quietly, closing the distance between them and pulling Harry into an embrace.

"Can you be sure of the information?"

"Yes, there was Veritaserum mixed into the potions. I developed a version that can be absorbed through the skin. The pain Lucius was in overwhelmed his ability to focus so he couldn't circumvent the truth potion."

"It's a relief. I really didn't want to confront Voldemort so soon. Can we return to the dungeon now?"

"Yes. I'll be much happier when I get you back to the safety of my quarters. The way back will require us to transverse some of the school's public corridors so we'll need to use the potions and cloak again." Severus told the younger man before releasing him in order to fish another invisibility potion from his kit.

Harry nodded and waited patiently for Severus' clothes and once Severus felt the potion begin to work, he quickly stripped, folded his clothes and handed them to Harry. He watched as Harry picked up valise once he had Severus' clothes secure and Severus slipped the cloak over shorter man's head, making sure Harry was completely covered.

Severus grasped Harry's hand again and led him back into the walls of Hogwarts. He mentally cursed who ever designed the secret passages for making some of them one way corridors. He quickly made his way to the end of the passage, which exited in the Hospital wing. He checked through the spy holes and breathed a quiet sigh of relief when the room proved to be empty of patients and Poppy. He triggered the door's release and led Harry silently across the room to the second hidden door that was hidden to the left of the Wing's oak doors. He quickly closed the door a hair before Poppy returned to her domain, but he didn't dwell on the close call.

Severus led Harry through a different passage, which ended behind an elaborate tapestry near the entry to the Headmaster's tower. Just as he was going to check the hallway he heard voices approaching their location. He felt Harry tense and gave the younger man's hand a quick squeeze of reassurance as he waited for the people to pass by their hiding place. Much to his surprise the two people in the hallway as the Headmaster and Minerva and they were discussing Harry. Severus settled down to eavesdrop on his employer and colleague.

"Albus, you can't be telling me that you're going to send Potter back to those Muggles?" Severus heard the witch question the Headmaster with a bit of anger in her tone. Severus felt Harry stiffen beside him.

"I'm afraid it'll be the only safe place for him. Even if he defeats Voldemort before the school year ends they'll still be Death Eaters after his blood. Any one of them would cheerfully kill him and set themselves up as the next Dark Lord. He'll be safer with in the blood protection wards."

"He's not going to be happy, Albus. You know they don't treat him well." Minerva snapped. Severus could tell her displeasure over the situation was increasing by the moment.

"Severus and Harry were adamant about not completing their bond before they work out their differences and establish a firm basis for their new relationship." Albus pointed out and Severus was annoyed that he told the older witch about their bond. "Since they won't there's no way for Severus to help defend the boy against attack, especially since he won't know the boy is being attacked in the first place with out the bond being fully functional."

"Why can't Harry stay here? After all he's been spending the past few days in Severus' quarters, why no the whole summer?"

"He's safest at his Aunt's home."

"I don't see how he could be safer there than here with his bond mate in a heavily warded castle. Harry's absence during the summer will set back what they're trying to build and that could be disastrous for a newly bonded couple."

"I'm sorry, Minerva, but my decision stands. Harry will return to the Dursley's this summer." Albus told Minerva in a firm voice.

"It's a wonder Potter doesn't hate us all." Minerva's angry voice echoed faintly as the two moved down the hallway.

Severus gave Harry's hand another reassuring squeeze as he waited a few more minutes before checking the halls. Severus mentally thanked the gods that he and Harry were well hidden behind the thick tapestry. He knew Albus had the knack of seeing through invisibility cloaks, but he didn't want to find out that the case was the same with invisibility potions. He'd never live it down if it was.

Once he determined the coast was clear, Severus led Harry to a classroom fifty feet down the hallway Albus and Minerva went down minutes before. At the far back of the room, by where the teacher's desk sat, was another secret passage, one that immediately turned into a staircase down to the lower levels of the castle. This passage way let out by the Slytherin dorms. They had to traverse another hallway before encountering the storage room that concealed yet another hidden corridor that let to his private lab. Their luck held as they slipped silently into the hallway and headed to the storage room. They met no one and five minutes later they were in Severus' rooms where he retreated immediately to the bathroom to take the antidote and dress himself.

Once he was dressed in his black armor, he returned to his sitting room to find Harry on the sofa with Minerva, looking over a sheaf of parchment bearing the Gringotts seal. Minerva was quietly explaining how to read the inventories of his and his parent's vaults. When she was done Minerva handed Harry a wrapped package, telling the younger man that Lupin had told her that he wanted the package from his vault. Severus wondered what it was and surmised that it mostly likely was for either Granger or Weasley.

Seeing the package made Severus spare a moment's thought to whether he should get the younger man something for Christmas, but he couldn't think of anything to get for the younger man. He absent mindedly said goodnight to Minerva and acknowledged the reminder of the next evening's Order meeting. Harry turned to look at him after seeing Minerva out and Severus found what kind of gift to give to his bond mate. He'll owl for it in the morning. There were many people who owed him favors and the woman he needed to contact was one of them. He was sure she'd rush an order for him so he'd have it before Christmas morning. He turned his attention to Harry and decided now was the best chance to breach the subject of their bond and its completion.

"What did Minerva want?" Severus asked quietly, opting to ask a safer question before diving into the uncomfortable topic.

"She dropped off some of my mail and my testing schedule. I ordered gifts for Ron, Hermione and Ginny and Gringotts sent me the information on my and my parent's vaults."

"Will you be all right coming to Grimmauld Place tomorrow?"

"I think so. Ron, Hermione and Ginny will be there, so I think it'll be okay."

"About what we overheard earlier…" Severus started, but was cut off by Harry's plaintive cry.

"Do I have to go back? I really don't think I'll be able to last the whole summer with them. They're going to be really pissed that I'm staying there again." Severus could hear the dread in Harry's voice. He thought he heard a hint of fear in the young wizard's voice too. It definitely showed in his eyes.

"If you agree to it, we can complete our bond. I don't want to rush our relationship, but if we do then Albus can't force you to stay with your relatives. He means well, but there are things he refuses to see or can't understand. He can't fathom a family that doesn't love each other. His family wasn't like that and sometimes he forgets that all families aren't like the one he grew up with."

"I think he's more than aware of the problems with the Dursleys. I don't see Moody and Remus not informing him and the Headmaster practically admitted to knowing how poorly they treated me after Sirius was killed. I know they're afraid of Moony and doubly afraid of Remus once they found out about his condition, which is why is hasn't been as bad there the past two summers. I'm not sure their fear is going to be enough to protect me even if I'm a full wizard this summer. They implied that they didn't want to see me now that I'm of age."

"So you'd like to complete the bond then?"

"Yes. Please." Harry said after a small hesitation.

"Are you sure? You didn't sound it." Severus said quietly.

"I'm sure; it's just that I feel I'm using you in order to avoid being shipped back to the Dursleys."

"We'd be doing this eventually, Harry, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm not doing this for reasons of my own. I've been alone for a long, long time and now that I see and end to it I'm not willing to let the opportunity slip away."

Harry gave him a brilliant smile and Severus could see in his eyes that the younger man understood what he was saying. Harry spent as much time alone as Severus did in his youth. Neither man wanted to be alone and Severus knew that wanted one that was entirely his alone and the fact that Harry wanted him was something that left Severus speechless.

"Are you ready to complete what the Dark Lord inadvertently started?" Severus held a hand out for Harry to grasp as he waited for the younger man's answer.

"He did, didn't he?" Harry said with a slight giggle. "Yes, let's drive the old goats mad." Harry's smile lit the room as he grasped the offered hand and allowed Severus to pull him to his feet.

"Excellent," Severus murmured as he led the younger man to the bed they shared the other night.

Severus captured Harry's mouth in a hungry kiss as soon as they were in the bedroom. The zap of electricity that sprung into being at their contact sent waves of arousal flying along his nerves. It seemed like all his senses were heightened. He thought they could smell the soap and shampoo Harry used the day before wafting up from his skin. Every touch, whether it be on flesh or clothing, sent shivers through him. He wondered if Harry was feeling the same as they struggled to remove each other's clothes. Severus growled in his chest as he realized that he'd have to break the kiss in order to lift the oversized sweatshirt over Harry's head. He was definitely getting the younger man a new wardrobe after this.

Harry was making his way slowly down his robes in an effort to remove them. When Severus broke the kiss he chuckled lightly at the whine that escaped Harry's lips before the younger man began to curse the small hooks that kept his robes closed. Severus batted Harry's hands away and pulled the extra large shirt over the shorter mans heads. He hugged in annoyance and the sight of a ratty hanging off of Harry's shoulders and was tucked into his oversized trousers. With a silent snarl he tugged the shirt free and removed the offending garment. Sometime during their Kiss Harry had kicked off his shoes and toed off his socks, which made Severus task of removing his trousers and pants that much easier.

Harry stood before him without a stitch of clothing on, shivering in the natural chill of the dungeons while glaring at Severus' robes.

"Why do you have to have so many hooks? I'm cold and you're still dressed. It's hardly fair." Harry pouted at him and with a sigh returned to removing Severus' clothes.

"Life isn't fair," Severus said with a smirk.

"Shut up and help me, unless you'd like to explain to Madam Pomfrey why I've got pneumonia." Harry had a mischievous look in his eyes.

"I have no wish to suffer her wrath any more than I already do." Severus replied with a mock tone of panic in his voice and drew his wand as he did so.

He muttered the charm he used when he was too exhausted or hurt to undo the hooks and buttons of his clothing. Instantaneously his clothing was ready for removal and Harry's eager hands pushed his robes and shirt off his shoulders. As Harry fumbled with his belt, Severus toed off his shoes and socks and laughed at Harry's triumphant cry when the younger man successfully undid Severus' belt and trouser buttons.

Soon enough, Severus was as bare as Harry and the younger man closed the small distance between them to resume their kiss. The spark Severus felt earlier flared at every point their bodies touched. Severus was achingly hard as he devoured Harry's mouth. In a fit of mischievousness, Severus swept Harry off his feet, pivoted and launched the younger man towards the bed. Harry squeaked in shock as he flew through the air. Severus over judged the amount of force he needed to land Harry in the bed as Harry landed in the center of the bed with a squawk and bounced up once again, moving toward the opposite edge of the bed. Harry clawed at the sheets and comforter on the bed trying desperately not to land on the hard stone floor as he teetered on the edge of the bed.

Severus raced toward the bed and dove for Harry. He barely caught hold of Harry as the younger man lost his batting with gravity and momentum. He managed to catch Harry's hand and hook his other hand around a thin knee. He hauled Harry back to the center of the bed. His moment of fun almost ruined their evening and seeing the fear in Harry's eyes left Severus feeling quite a lot of guilt. He spent the next few moments soothing the younger man and easing the fear from him. Harry relaxed and accepted Severus' silent apology. He didn't know when Harry's ability to read him began, or when he became soft enough for the brat to read him, but Severus was happy with the development and not at all threatened as he would have expected.

Slowly Severus kissed Harry and began to explore the younger man's body with light touches. As Harry relaxed, the green-eyed man began to mimic Severus' hands and gently touched him everywhere Harry could reach. It wasn't long before both men were fully aroused again and the spark of magic that jumped between them drover their passion and higher and higher. Severus left Harry's mouth and began to work his way down the younger man's torso. He stilled his motions when a thought crossed his mind and demanded to be answered.

"Have you done this before?" Severus asked the younger man, who blinked in confusion at the question.

"No, nothing more than a finger or two; is that going to be a problem?" Harry asked, withdrawing into himself a bit.

"No, it isn't a problem for me. I just don't want to hurt you unintentionally." Severus said quietly. "It'll hurt, being your first time, and I can't tell you how much. I'll do my best not to."

"And afterwards you'll be teaching me how to mediate, provided we can stay awake."

"I'll try not to wear you out before then." Severus told him with a smirk and resumed his explorations.

As he worked his way lower, he heard Harry's increasingly frustrated growls. Severus stopped just short of Harry's throbbing erection and looked up at his snarling partner with a raised eyebrow.

"I hate being short. Get back up here because I can't reach anything other than the top of your head." Harry complained with a frown.

"Did it ever occur to you that you're supposed to lie back and enjoy this?" Severus asked quietly and received a negative response from Harry. Severus paused in thought and decided to give in to Harry's demands, but not without a taste of that cock bouncing lightly against his chest. He ran his tongue along the pulsing vein that ran along the bottom of Harry's erection and made sure to scoop up the bead of pre-cum forming on the top. Harry shivered and moaned at the sensation and Severus had to fight himself not to continue. The sound Harry made was intoxicating and he wanted to hear more. Before he could lose the battle with himself and change his mind about his course of action he began he ascent.

He slid back up Harry's thin body and kissed the younger man before retreating lie beside Harry. Harry immediately began to explore Severus' chest with calloused finger tips while searching for sensitive spots on his neck with his mouth. Severus dug in his nightstand for something to use as lubricant as his left hand stroked along Harry's spine, encouraging the younger man's hesitant ministrations. Harry found a very responsive spot on his neck and distracted Severus from his mission. Severus managed to find a jar of hand lotion that would suffice as a lubricant as Harry moved his sinful mouth southwards. Harry latched onto one of his nipples and after a few tentative licks at the sensitive nub, which made Severus' breath hitch, the inexperienced man began to suck with enthusiasm, making Severus squirm. Harry's hands roamed lower and Severus couldn't take anymore when the rough fingers danced lightly over his leaking erection. He used his larger frame to his advantage and flipped Harry onto his back.

"Are you ready?" Severus asked and received a very enthusiastic nod in response. Harry's bright green eyes were twinkling much like Albus' as he watched every move Severus made avidly. "Flip over, brat." Severus ordered the younger man, who obeyed quickly. Ruefully, Severus wished that he'd behave that way in his potions class.

"Severus tucked a pillow beneath Harry's hips before settling between the other man's parted thighs. He opened the jar of lotion and coated his fingers liberally before gently pushing one slowly into Harry's puckered entrance. Harry hissed as Severus slid a second finger along side the first and each time Harry tensed with pain Severus paused until Harry whispered 'okay'. After many such pauses, Severus had Harry as prepared as he could and positioned both of them comfortably.

Slowly Severus pushed his throbbing erection into the smaller man's puckered entrance, stopping frequently to wait for Harry's discomfort to ease or the overwhelming urge for him to cum to pass. After what seemed to be an eternity Severus was fully seated. Both men were coated with sweat and Harry was panting heavily from the pain of entry. Severus waited for Harry to relax and he needed to calm down himself. Harry was tight, tight as a constrictor around its prey. Severus wouldn't last long in Harry's snug channel and it would take every once of his self control not to end this too soon.

Harry finally relaxed, much to Severus' relief, but Severus didn't move. He tried desperately to think of something unpleasant or their evening would end on his first stroke. He finally found something and was lucky not to have lost his dinner instead of reining in his hormones and it was none too soon. Harry started to push against and squeeze him in an effort to get Severus to move.

Severus gave into the younger man's silent orders and pulled out until only the head of his cock remained in Harry before pushing slowly back in. A hiss of pleasure escaped his lips as he slid back to Harry's welcoming heat. Harry sighed as Severus' length filled him again. Severus adjusted the angle of each stroke each time he pushed back into Harry, searching for that sensitive gland with in the younger man. He found it on his fifth pass and Harry shivered as the pleasure of its stimulation raced through his body. As they continued to move together, Severus felt the growing crackle of magic slowly building up as they completed the last step in their bond. Severus had forgotten that it would happen, but there was nothing he could do to stop it. Albus would know they completed their bond as the power they generated grew to proportions the Headmaster couldn't help but notice. Severus didn't want his to know just yet. Not before he could gather an ally or two to veto his plans for Harry.

The magic was visible as a pure white light and it drove Severus to move faster, though Harry's groaned orders to do so helped immensely. Harry inched up the bed each time Severus pushed himself home until his head was flush against the headboard. Slowly Harry moved a shaking hand and laid it against the stone wall. Severus paused in his movements and watched wide-eyed as the magic they generated flare and rush along Harry's arm into the castle's wall.

"Don’t stop! I was so close!" Harry moaned as he clamped his muscles around Severus' cock in an effort to get him moving again.

"All right. There's no reason to be pushy, Harry." Severus hissed in reply.

"Yes there is. Now move!" Harry retorted with a wiggle that made Severus groan.

"I'll move alright, brat!" Severus resumed his movements, but at a much faster pace then before.

Harry kept his hand against the wall as Severus pounded into him. Every pass Severus made sure to hit Harry's sweet spot and Harry began to moan low in his throat. Severus watched as their combined magic surged along Harry's arm and into the wall. Soon his eyes drifted shut and all he could do was think about was how good it felt to be in Harry and how wonderful the younger man's sounds of pleasure sounded to his ears. He could feel his body racing towards completion and groped blindly for Harry's swaying erection. He fisted that turgid flesh as he pounded into the willing body before him. Severus did his best to hold off his orgasm until Harry came, but it wasn't going to happen. It had been too long since he's had anyone in his bed and the fact that this was his soul-mate negated any control he had over his responses. He lost his rhythm as he came, howling Harry's name. He continued to work his shaking hand over Harry's throbbing and hot erection, doing his best not to collapse. His hips still drove into Harry of their own accord and Severus felt the younger man's balls brush up against his hand as he stroked the ridged flesh in front of them. Harry's breathing became harsher and more ragged and Severus knew he was close. He was still having trouble controlling his rubbery limbs and luck was with him as Harry convulsed and came, muffling his cry in his forearm.

Severus watched in fascination as the magic leapt from Harry's hand, which fell limply to the mattress, into the stone wall before fading into nothing. Severus looked around bemused as he realized they had tipped over. He ran his hands gently over Harry's skin, soothing the younger man through the aftershocks of his climax. Harry snuggled into his chest and Severus realized with a start that the younger man was falling asleep.

"Harry, wake up. We've got work to do still." Severus shook the smaller man, preventing him from falling asleep.

"I'm tired. Can't it wait?" Harry whined while opening his eyes slightly.

"No it can't. It's best for you to learn this technique while you're relaxed. It'll make it easier for you to meditate later on if you're already relaxed while learning it."

"All right. Let's start before my eyelids turn to lead." Harry sat up in the bed, rubbing his eyes and watching Severus intently.

"First I want to know what you did with the power that built between us."

"I gave it to the castle."

"What prompted you to do something like that?"

"It felt like the right thing to do. When I felt the power build I thought it would be strong enough to help protect the school. Something told me to touch the wall and I did." Harry said quietly with a small frown furrow forming on his forehead. "The odd thing was the weird feeling I got afterwards. Something was very happy and for some reason I think it was the castle."

"I wouldn't know about that. We'll have to research the castle to see what spells the founders added to the building over the years they were residents. At least the Headmaster doesn't know we completed the bond. If you didn't do what you did he would have felt the power build up and deduced that it was us." Severus took a deep breath before settling himself and clearing his mind. "Now close your eyes and find a comfortable position to sit in."

Severus calmly taught the younger man the first meditation technique he learned as a child and since Harry was already relaxed from their earlier activity, he immediately slipped into the proper trance. Harry sat there for several long moments and Severus was content just to watch him. He was worried about their rushing their relationship, but sometimes you had to do what was necessary. Severus continued to observe the younger man, who twitched a couple of times before his eyes flew open.

"I found where the link is in my mind. I can actually see the power drain he's causing." Harry said breathlessly.

"Meditate again, search for the link and board it up like the windows of the Shrieking Shack. It's temporary, but it'll hold until you're training begins again."

"All right." Harry said and began the ritual he just learned.

Severs watched as Harry set about blocking the link between him and the Dark Lord and when Harry succeeded he slumped with relief. Harry opened his eyes and Severus could see the triumph in those green orbs as they focused on him. Severus gave the younger man a rare smile before gathering Harry into his arms and settling down for the night. Sleep came easily for a change and Severus knew nothing more than the warmth of Harry in his arms.

Morning arrived at a leisurely pace and Severus was glad that the brats were gone for the week, having left the previous evening. He laid there basking in the warmth radiating from Harry as they younger man slept on. He couldn't wait to see the look on Albus' face when the elderly wizard finds out that Severus trumped his summer plans for Harry. He made a mental note to talk to Molly Weasley before tonight's meeting. She'd be a formidable ally and she's also been very vocal in the past about Harry's relatives. He could count on her to back him up after he explained his and Harry's situation.

Harry stirred and slowly woke up. The smile that graced the younger man's face ignited a ball of warmth in Severus and he couldn't stop his return smile. Harry stretched and gave Severus a peck on the cheek before sliding out of the bed. Severus flinched in sympathy as the pain in Harry's bottom made itself known and the younger man hissed in response. Severus remembered how he felt after his first time and mentally listed the pain potions he had in his cabinet that would ease Harry's pain. Finally coming to one in his mental inventory that would suffice, he slid swung his feet to the floor and strode to his office, not bothering to put on a dressing gown. He opened the cabinet behind his desk and sorted through the contents for the potion for Harry. Once he found the elusive vial he made his way back to his rooms and found Harry standing gingerly in his bedroom. He gave the vial to the young wizard, who downed it after a grateful smile.

"Go shower. I've got a couple of errands to run before we start our lessons and eat." Severus told the younger man before grabbing a set of clothes and heading to the owlery.

He left the rooms in a flurry of robes without giving Harry a chance to say anything. He grabbed a quill and a Never-Out Quill and headed quickly to the owlery. Once there and he ensured himself of his privacy he penned a quick note to Madam Malkin requesting the clothing for Harry. He knew the old witch would bend over backwards to help him. Yes, she owed him a small debt, but since it was for Harry she, like the rest of the wizarding world would, bend over backwards to do something for the Boy-Who-Lived. He sent the request with his owl Caesar and watched the large tawny fly away into the early morning light. He returned to his rooms and showered as Harry ate his breakfast in front of the fire. When he returned freshly dressed in clean clothing he found Harry meditating on the sofa. Sometime during his shower the house-elves erected a small Christmas tree and decorated it with elven lights and silver and gold baubles. A small pile of presents were already under the tree and when he glanced at the pile he found that most were for Harry. He had his own small pile, mainly from Albus, Minerva and Filius, but one stood out from those few packages. It was the package Minerva brought down for Harry and it was addressed to him. He didn't know what to think about that, but was pleased beyond reason. He also was thankful that he chose to get the younger man something.

Severus snagged a couple of pieces of toast and a cup of tea and settled down in his chair to wait for Harry to complete his meditation. He wasn't looking forward to tonight's meeting and hoped that Harry wouldn't have any problems stepping into his godfather's former home. He didn't think Harry truly dealt with and accepted his godfather's death. Actually Severus wouldn't be surprised if he didn't blame himself. Harry was too used to being blamed for everything thanks to those Muggles and most likely developed the tendency to take responsibility for the actions of others. Another habit Severus will have to break him of. Severus was jerked out of his thoughts by Harry stretching as he came out of the meditative trance he was in.

"Are you ready for your Occlumency lesson?" Severus said quietly after Harry noticed him.

"Yes." Harry said and motioned Severus to lead the way.

Severus followed the routine from Harry's fifth year and gave the younger man to the count of three to ready himself. Unlike those first set of lessons everything went well and Harry managed to hold him off for several long minutes before Severus managed to crack the younger man's defenses. Some of the memories he saw were causing flashbacks of his own childhood. Afterwards they spoke about the memories Severus saw, as they agreed upon earlier, and Severus shared a similar episode in his own life. They continued in that vein for another hour before Severus dragged Harry off to his lab to work on the younger man's deplorable potions skills.

Their afternoon was a very comfortable affair. It was something Severus never would have expected to happen. When they retreated for lunch in his sitting room Severus eyed the book shaped package from Harry sitting under the Christmas tree. He itched to find out what it was and didn't want to wait until the next morning to open it. Harry giggled and when Severus turned to glare half-heartedly at his mate he saw a knowing smile plastered on the younger man's face.

"Go ahead and open it. I know you're dying to find out what it is." Harry told him with a laugh.

Severus walked slowly towards the dark green wrapped package. After all he didn't want to seem like a rambunctious child celebrating his first Christmas. He picked up the package and sat in the nearest chair. With ponderous decorum he slowly removed the paper, causing Harry to giggle with amusement. When he finally detached all the paper Harry or Lupin used to wrap the package he felt his jaw drop when he realized what the gift was. It was the most phenomenal this he ever received and Albus had come up with some stupendous things in the past, but they didn't match this at all. 'Potions of Ancient Cultures' was one of the rarest volumes in the wizarding world and all known copies were jealously guarded family heirlooms. Potter had just given him part of his heritage.

"You do realize that this is a family heirloom?" Severus asked the younger man in a choked voice.

"Yes, but I was planning on giving it to you anyway. It's just rotting in Potter vaults and I do have another copy now that I have the Black family vaults."

"Why would you have done that? We weren't on the best of terms until the past few days."

"I guess I planned on it being an apology. Not only for the Pensieve Incident, but also for the way my dad treated you. There must be a bunch of potions that could be of use to the Order or something you can expand on for your own personal glory." Harry replied while looking into the fire.

"These books are rarely let out of the family vaults and never into the hands of someone outside of it."

"I don't have any family except those I chose. Other than the Weasleys the only other family I have is the staff here. Besides it’s a moot point now. You're legally part of my family now, being my soul mate and all. Aren't you?"

"Yes, we're part of each other's family now." Severus said quietly, too stunned by the younger man's words to say much more. "Thank you, Harry. It's a wonderful gift." Severus told the quiet wizard next to him.

"You're welcome, Severus."

They quietly ate lunch and afterwards Severus insisted on looking over Harry's class work and homework before quizzing him on the material for his end of term exams. They spent the last of the afternoon working in a harmony that know one would have expected given their past history. Much too soon it was time to go to Grimmauld Place for the Order meeting. Severus offered Harry the floo powder and offered silently support as Harry steeled his resolve and threw the powder into the fire. Severus followed a breath later, just in time to see Weasley and Granger dragging Harry off to the house's library. Harry gave him a small wave good-bye and Severus could tell that he dreaded the interrogation his friends were going to give him. Once Harry was out of sight, Severus went in search of Molly Weasley.

He found the formidable woman in her usually haunt, the kitchen. He quickly dragged her away from the stove and into a corner of the kitchen, where he quickly told her the situation and his hopes for her aid, which she gave along with a rib cracking hug and a kiss to Severus' cheek. Severus was stunned at her immediate acceptance of their relationship and nearly drowned in the slew of questions the witch insisted he answer, including whether they completed the bond. Severus couldn't contain the faint blush as he answered the questions she wouldn't let him avoid, which he could tell delighted the extremely maternal witch before him. She whole heartedly supported them and made no bones about his fate if her Harry was hurt by him. Molly Weasley bustled back to the stove as if nothing happened and Severus paused to regain his composure. He now knew why Harry latched on to the woman in the first place. Once his composure was restored he stalked out of the kitchen, pausing only to return Molly's wink and ensconcing himself in his normal shadowy corner of the dining area where the meetings were held.

After a few minutes waiting, the rest of the Order arrived and Severus settled back to watch the show. Albus' first order of business was to gather the information from the various teams trailing after known Death Eaters. Eventually the order rolled around to the plans to protect Harry from the Death Eaters over the summer. Then all hell broke loose the moment Albus announced his plans to send Harry back to the Dursleys. Molly started the chaos by announcing that 'Harry was staying with his bond mate and if you think you're going to separate them I'll hang you from your beard!' at the top of her lungs. Minerva crowed with triumphant as she read something in Molly's eyes and Severus could feel Albus' gaze battering him from across the room. Out of curtain of his hair he could see dawning comprehension on the werewolf's face as the other man listened to arguments. Lupin ended the small skirmish by quietly stating 'ah, that's why Harry and Severus' scents have changed' after Albus declared that he and Harry weren't planning on completing their bond. Albus' heated gaze fell upon Severus again and he had no intention of looking up. He smirked quietly beneath the protection of the shadows and his hair.

Before Albus could confront him, the meeting was interrupted by Tonks stumbling into the room. She looked quite green and panicky as she tried to force out what brought her here in such a state. Severus watched as she attempted to regain her composure.

"Albus…" She started to say before turning a darker shade of green and swallowing convulsively.

"What happened, Nymphadora?" Albus asked as the room quieted.

"Kingsley and I went to revive the prisoner and when we escorted him to the bathroom to do his business we noted something terrible."

"What was it?" Albus said in a mildly alarmed tone.

"Malfoy was questioned under torture. Though he was healed the signs were obvious, especially the lack of…" Tonks swallowed convulsively once more, desperately trying to keep from vomiting.

"The lack of what, Tonks?" Lupin asked gently.

"His genitals were eaten away by something. Kingsley believes it was one of several potions, mostly banned ones."

Albus turned a startling shade of red and did something no one has ever seen him do. He lost his temper spectacularly and aimed his ire at the only possible culprit, Severus.

"Severus! What did you do?" Albus roared making everyone but Severus cringe.

Severus looked slowly up and met the older wizard's furious gaze. He didn't say a word, but he did do something to annoy the older man even more.

He smirked.