(no subject)
Here's the second half.
Ever since they performed the ritual, Harry made sure to keep his distance from Severus, though his heart demanded otherwise. He did his best to Occlude his mind and was worried that his feelings were leaking through to the other man. Other than that, he didn't try to hide how he was feeling from anyone. He was depressed and it was all due to Severus' rejection and unless the man changed his mind and came to him, there was nothing he could do. He couldn't pinpoint when his feeling for the cynical man changed, but he didn't really care. He'd accept the man's affection, if it ever came, with a whole heart and no questions.
By the fourth day his depression reached new heights. Twice during the previous two nights Severus sent a surge of anger through their bond and Harry guessed that he wasn't blocking his end properly. Unfortunately his control kept slipping as he became more and more depressed. He also couldn't fathom why his depression was deepening at such a rate. Could it be a side effect of the bond? Was there something else they needed to do? He could envision more time spent in the library in the near future. Thankfully it was Saturday and he was able to hide himself in the common room. This way he would be able to avoid seeing his Head of House and her sad eyes. She wanted to beard Severus in his lair and Harry begged her not to. He knew any outside interference would make matters worse between him and the irritable wizard in the dungeons.
As he brooded in on of the arm chairs by the fire he started feeling some of Severus' emotions. It caught his attention like nothing else did since they bonded. Severus was too in control of his emotions to let them slip like this and a feeling of dread filled Harry, though when he analyzed the feelings he was receiving they weren't negative. Actually Severus must have been in a good mood because those leaking emotions were positive and they were something Harry wouldn't have expected to feel from the older wizard. Severus could be out gathering fresh ingredients for his brewing, which was more than enough to put the Potions Master in a good mood. He now had his craft back and Harry hoped that he stayed close to the castle.
After a few more moments Harry relaxed, but it didn't shake the foreboding that plagued him when he first felt the input from Severus. It seemed that those instincts were spot on when Severus' emotions turned to fear and raced through the bond between them. He could also feel wariness and for a moment he was frozen in indecision. When panic followed shortly after that, Harry was out of his seat and heading for the portrait hole before he could think of a plan of action. Just before he reached the exit he decided that he should alert the teachers and bring someone with him. Severus would have his hide if he didn't bring someone to cover his back. He began barking orders to his house mates and was barely registered the lot of them moving quickly. A flash of red and brown indicated that Ron and Hermione decided that they weren't going to let him go alone and it solved the one problem his didn't rectify on his way out. His thoughts were so focused on his goal that he was surprised to see students boiling out of the hallways leading to the entrance hall all looking ready for combat. He glanced over his shoulder to see Hermione putting her D.A. galleon away. She glanced at him in challenge, but all Harry did was nod at her, earning a sigh of relief from his long time friend.
Harry's surprise grew as he saw the contingent of Gryffindors thundering down the stairs. Every one of his housemates was there, from the seventh years to the smallest of the first years. Shock held him immobile for several precious moments before someone broke the stalemate. As expected, when he managed to clear his head enough to respond, it was Hermione who asked the question they needed answered.
"Harry, what's wrong?" She asked breathlessly.
"Severus is in trouble and I don't have time to talk about it."
"We'll follow. You can't go alone." Hermione responded and when the rest of the crowd protested she snapped at the lot. "You'll get your explanations when we're done rescuing the Professor.
"Just keep up and keep quiet." Harry ordered over his shoulder as he charged out the large oak doors of Hogwarts.
Harry focused on the bond between him and Severus and used it like a compass. He went running straight into the Forbidden Forest and didn't bother using the paths. He charged through the underbrush blasting away the vegetation that tried to snag him. He saw blasts from those following him eliminating any threats as he continued his forward progress. He was able to feel Severus' emotions clearer as he moved closer to the man's location. As his first scream of agony rang through the trees, Harry stumbled as the pain the older man felt ripped through him. Harry sped through the trees even faster and he realized he was leaving some of his party behind, though Ron's bright red hair bobbed along in his peripheral vision. He charged into the clearing without any form of stealth and stopped in shock as he watched Malfoy cast a cutting curse on Severus. As the blood seeped through the fingers Severus clamped over the wound a film of red clouded Harry's vision. There were dozens of shocked gasps sounding from behind him and the group torturing the Potions Master didn't hear their arrival due to the older man's screams.
Harry could feel his magic pulsing around him as his rage grew and without thinking he sent a disarming charm flying at the first clear target he saw. He was able to identify who his victim was as the body flew through the air to impact with a tree. The sickening sound of a wet melon breaking confirmed that Goyle wasn't going to terrorize anyone any more. Malfoy turned slowly in their direction and looked like he was going to fire a hex. From the look of shock on his face Harry guessed that the blonde wasn't expecting the number of people he brought with him. Harry watched savagely as all the color drained from Malfoy's face when the Slytherin noticed he was there. Severus' pain fueled his anger and he could feel the power pulsing in him. Malfoy's face took on one of absolute terror as the blonde sensed the power Harry was holding. Harry ignored the spreading wet spot on Malfoy's trousers.
"Malfoy," he hissed angrily and at the sound of his rage the rest of the Slytherins fled in several directions.
Harry listened, as he kept Malfoy pinned by his gaze, to Hermione and Ron sending out groups of students to pursue those trying to get away. He allowed them to take charge of the rest. Malfoy was his and he wouldn't go free to harm another, but he needed to end this quickly. He allowed instinct to guide him and it prompted him to send some of that gathered magical strength along the bond to Severus. Harry hoped it would hold the man stable until he removed the threat against him. He didn't doubt that the blonde would use Severus as a shield or bargaining piece and Harry wouldn't allow that to happen. Harry took a step closer to Severus in order to get between him and Malfoy and unfortunately it broke Malfoy out of the paralysis that held him to the clearing instead of fleeing with the rest.
"Don't move, Potter, or your charity project will get it." Malfoy raised his wand and pointed it at Severus.
"He isn't a charity case, Malfoy." Harry spat in anger. "I wouldn't have bonded to him if I didn't care about what happens to him."
"Yeah right, Potter. You're full of it. After the way he's treated you over the years you think I’m going to believe that?" Malfoy scoffed and as he moved his wand unconsciously away from Severus.
"People change, Malfoy, and besides I had a debt to pay." Once he was sure that Malfoy wasn't going to lift his wand again Harry struck quickly. "Legilimens!"
Images flew past Harry as he searched for information from Malfoy's mind. Angrily he dug for what he was looking for as the enjoyment the bastard felt as he tortured Severus paraded before him. Finally he found what he was looking for and ruthlessly absorbed as much information as he could before Malfoy managed to toss him out. The feeling of a Cruciatus Curse ran along his nerves and he pulled out of Malfoy's mind with a jerk. He quickly grounded the curse before it could work on him and he made sure to block the link to Severus as best he could. Malfoy gawked in shock as he curse failed once again. Harry smirked and showed him once again how the properly cast the spell. Being able to ground the spell was something he stumbled upon during the summer holidays. He was out in the garden when Voldemort started torturing his latest victims and some of his failed followers. He was trying to hold the screams in as the echo of Voldemort's Cruciatus Curse ran down the link between them. He had buried his fingers in the grass in the Dursleys' back garden and tried to push the pain back down the link. Instead of the agony running back through the link it went down into the ground. Harry was stunned, but realized that if it could work with the echo, then perhaps it could work when he was targeted directly. He waited until the next time Voldemort's fun broke through his shoddy barriers and tried again. It had worked and Harry made sure that he grounded the echo pain each time. Soon it wasn't necessary for Voldemort's romps since he managed to at least block the bastard out. Now the ability was coming in handy again.
"Harry, stop!" Hermione shrieked above the wails Malfoy was letting loose.
Harry released the curse, but didn't remove his gaze from Malfoy as he addressed Hermione.
"Why, Hermione? I'm within my rights." Harry responded calmly.
"No you're not, Harry. Using an unfor…"
"Actually according to our laws he is, Hermione." Ron interrupted.
"How can that be?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"They're bonded and our laws see no difference between a marriage bond and the one that allows the pair to share abilities. Harry's within his rights as part of a bonded pair to do what ever he wishes against anyone who dares harm his bond mate."
"That's horrible." Hermione cried out in disgust.
"It may be horrible, but I intend to exercise those rights. This is the second time I've caught the bastard torturing Severus. I will not tolerate this." Harry growled and smirked as Malfoy went paler still.
Hermione tried to argue him out of harming Malfoy, but Harry wasn't going to let her do so. Malfoy was a threat to the school and to Severus as long as he was present. There was no way to guarantee that he would stay out, given Voldemort's love of the Polyjuice potion. Malfoy fired a dark curse at Hermione, thinking that Harry wasn't paying attention to him, but as he tried to run Harry spelled his feet to the ground. As Harry was dealing with Malfoy, Hermione was frozen in place, trying to figure out the counter to the spell racing towards her. Ron acted first by pushing his girlfriend out of the way and the curse struck him, sending the red head to his knees in agony. Hermione broke out of her shock to immediately kneel at his side, while Harry dealt with the Death Eater.
"Congratulations, Malfoy. You've been volunteered to test the spell I'm planning on using on Riddle." Harry spat at the blonde.
"Potter, don't do anything stupid." Severus hissed as he tried to sit up.
"I'm not. Sending them to Azkaban, where Riddle can readily get them out is stupid and I need to know if I can cast this spell. If it doesn't work then we'll do it your way. Now lie down before you do more damage to yourself. You don't know how deep it goes."
"Don't tell me what to do, Potter!"
"I will to. Dumbledore will have my hide if something else happens to you." Harry replied to Snape's order. "Now let me concentrate."
Harry focused his thoughts on the incantation for the soul destruction spell. Once he was sure of the incantation he raised his hand and aimed at Malfoy, whose eyes widened in shock when he realized Harry wasn't using his wand. While Malfoy was dwelling on Harry's lack of a wand during their encounter, Harry shouted 'Destroy this soul' and watched as the pure white beam shout from his hand and barreled at Malfoy. It struck the blond square in the chest and blinded everyone in the area. A silent whoosh was all that marked Malfoy's passing before the body fell limply to the ground. Harry struggled to keep an impassive face despite the fact that he wanted to huddle on the ground and cry. It was the most horrible feeling and he couldn't comprehend how Voldemort and the rest looked forward to killing as much as they did.
He was lucky that he succeeded in keeping the angry and aloof look on his face since the D.A. returned triumphant from their pursuits. From the quick glance he took at the people returning as he walked to Severus' side, they managed to capture the entire contingent of junior Death Eaters. Harry pulled off his jumper and gently pulled Severus' hands away from the older man's wounded stomach. Harry was surprised at how slowly the wound was bleeding as he pressed the jumper over the wound. He hoped they weren't too late, but when Severus started snarling at him relief flooded him.
Not long after the last D.A. member marched past him with their prisoners firmly in tow, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hooch and Hagrid charged into the clearing with wands and crossbow raised and ready. Harry didn't pay attention to them as he conjured a stretcher for Severus and he heard Hermione doing the same for Ron, who had bitten through his lower lip to keep from screaming. Both Harry and Hermione levitated the injured men onto their respective stretchers. Harry walked by a flabbergasted Headmaster with Severus floating next to him. As he passed Hooch, who turned to escort them back to the school, he heard Neville and Ginny speaking to the Headmaster and McGonagall. He didn't care to hear what Dumbledore had to say and knew that Ginny and Neville will fill him in later if Dumbledore doesn't corner him elsewhere.
Silently he and Hermione walked to the castle infirmary. Once there the set Severus and Ron onto adjacent beds while Hooch went to fetch Pomfrey. Madam Pomfrey immediately tossed them out and set out to work. Harry decided the best thing to do was to retreat to Gryffindor tower and concentrate on the bond connecting him and Severus. On the way there they were intercepted by Dumbledore and McGonagall and Harry was told that Hagrid had Severus' snake, which was badly injured by Malfoy. Dumbledore gazed at him as he walked by with disappointment on his face and McGonagall's was blank. As he and Hermione started up the stairs to Gryffindor tower he saw Neville and Ginny with Sprout and Flitwick, levitating Malfoy's and Goyle's bodies to the hospital wing. Harry didn't say a word, but once in the safety of him curtained bed he allowed the tears to flow. He made sure that no one would hear him as he vented his feelings. He spent the rest of the day staring at the canopy of his bed trying to sort through his emotional baggage. He didn't feel much from Severus so he guessed that Poppy dosed him with a Dreamless Sleep potion. He tried to sleep, but was unable to do so. He gave up around one in the morning and grabbed his cloak before leaving the tower to walk through the castle.
His silent roaming did nothing to help him sort through his mangled emotions. His feet brought him to McGonagall's office without any direction from him. Harry knocked on the door and waited until the older witch wrenched the door open with a surprised and annoyed expression on her face. It was an odd look, but Harry didn't find any amusement in the unusual expression that contorted his Head of House's face.
"Mr. Potter, why are you up an about at this hour?" She snapped before she took a good look at him. Something in his face alerted her to his plight. Instead of giving him detention she stepped aside to let him into her domain. "What's wrong, Harry?"
"I couldn't sleep because of this afternoon. How can they do that day after day?" Harry asked beseechingly as the tears started to flow again.
"How can who do what?" McGonagall asked quietly and she led Harry into her personal quarters.
"Voldemort and the Death Eaters. How can they kill all the time? How am I supposed to kill Voldemort when I'm an emotional wreck after killing Malfoy? What am I supposed to do?" Harry wailed once the door to her rooms was closed.
"You do the best you can, Harry, and allow your friends to help you when it's over and done with."
"What if they turn me into a monster like them? What happens if I become to0 accustomed to this?" Harry sobbed and covered his face with his hands.
He jumped when he felt McGonagall's arms go around him, but the comfort was too much and he broke down completely. He didn't remember much afterwards other than McGonagall's soothing voice as he wept.
Severus woke up disoriented and aching all over. The next thing he noticed was that he couldn't see a thing and the moment that thought crossed his mind the events of Saturday presented themselves to him. Draco was dead. He heard the younger man's body hit the leaf covered ground in the forest. He could still hear Potter's cold voice shouting out the curse that killed the Malfoy heir. They've created a monster and unleashed him upon the world. There wasn't any feeling of regret or remorse coming from Potter's end of the bond. He didn't think that the brat would be able to block his end of the bond despite the clumsy ability he had at Occlumency. Either way it was something he had to discuss with Albus.
"Severus, you're awake. Is there anything causing you discomfort or pain?" Poppy barged into his thoughts.
"I'm sore in some places and ache everywhere. May I leave now?" Severus said quietly.
"You may leave when I say you can." Poppy told him in her 'don't think you can sneak away' voice. "Now, can you sit up?"
Severus gingerly inched his way into a sitting position, hissing every few seconds as a stabbing pain in his abdomen made itself known. Memories of the curses aimed at him when his students tortured him came to the forefront of him mind as well as Potter's 'you don't know how deep it is' comment.
"How bad was it, Poppy?" Severus asked with an arm wrapped around his stomach as he negotiated the last few inches.
"Very bad, Severus. The curse almost made it to your spine. I managed to heal all of your damaged organs and removed any bacteria that were released by the curse. Had I known that Mr. Potter was feeding you his magic before I threw him out I would have been able to completely heal your abdominal muscles. With out his magic we would have lost you, Severus." Poppy informed him, her voice going misty in sorrow.
"Potter?" Severus mumbled, mostly to himself.
"Yes, Mr. Potter." Poppy replied with wonder in her voice. "That young man never ceases to amaze me. Now I'll get you something to each and I expect you to eat it all. Understand?"
"Yes, Poppy, anything that will get me out of here faster."
Severus listened to Poppy's steps leaving the wing proper and once he could no longer hear her he turned his thoughts inwards. Potter was proving himself to be an enigma of monstrous proportions. He couldn't reconcile the arrogant brat with the cold killer of the other day. He ate mechanically without pulling out of his musings when Poppy returned with a tray of porridge and watered down juice. He tried to work through the puzzle that was Potter and he realized there were several pieces missing. One of which was why did Potter willingly bond with him? Another was why did the brat pick a permanent bond when there were several reversible ones he could have chosen? He was no closer to figuring out the answers to those questions when he heard Albus' soft footsteps entering the wing.
"Severus, my boy, how are you feeling?" Albus asked, his voice dripping with worry.
"I am well considering what happened."
"It was fortuitous that Harry found out what was happening."
"I am as surprised as you are." Severus replied and something in his voice must have communicated his concern about Potter's behavior to the Headmaster.
"What is troubling you, Severus?" Albus asked as the quick, sharp sound of Minerva's shoes echoed through the room.
"Potter. His behaviour yesterday to be specific." Severus paused to gather his thoughts. "He sounded much like the Dark Lord does. I heard nothing that indicated that his actions bothered him."
"Ah, he did look rather cold and angry yesterday. Much like I remember young Tom, when he was student here, looking." Albus replied thoughtfully. "Today he isn't anywhere to be found."
"Neither of you have anything to worry about. Mr. Potter is in my quarters asleep. He came to me early this morning after failing to deal with his having to kill fellow classmates. While I may not approve of his actions he did state at least one valid explanation for the death of Mr. Malfoy." Minerva stated before he and Albus could make plans for dealing with the young wizard in question.
"What is his reason?" Severus spat. "Other than his right to protect his bond mate."
"He felt that Mr. Malfoy was a treat to the school given his father's rank within the Death Eaters. Most of parents in You-Know-Who's ranks are either dead, in St. Mungo's, Azkaban or simply not trusted. Their children would not be used without a higher ranking child in charge of them."
"So Mr. Potter didn't take the killing he did yesterday well?"
"Not at all, Albus. I'm concerned that he may balk when it's time to kill You-Know-Who." Minerva said and Severus heard Albus sigh in disappointment and it was at Potter's action, but rather it was directed at Minerva's inability to call the Dark Lord by name. He should recognize it since Albus directed it at him many times before.
"Just what we need." Severus spat. "It was a mistake on Potter's part to kill Malfoy. He'll be useless when the time comes." Severus shuddered at the thought of being left behind in Voldemort's hands.
"I don't think so, Severus. Voldemort will target those close to Harry before turning his sights to him. He'll want to hurt Harry as much as he can emotionally, before trying to kill him. Harry will do anything to protect those he cares for. He's already proven that as well as made it very clear that you are off limits to both sides of this conflict."
"I am not Potter's property!" Severus growled, angry at the implications.
"No one said you were, Severus." Minerva snapped back. "He cares about you and he is sincere."
"Why would he need to care about me? He's got hoards of Weasleys to lavish his affection on." Severus felt a pang as he said this, but couldn't fathom why.
"Yes, he has the Weasleys, but they aren't his. He feels like an outsider no matter how welcome they make him. He's never had anything or anyone that belonged solely to him. Neither do you." Minerva replied in a soft voice. "Don't tell me you have Albus, because he belongs more to the school than anything or anyone. You and Harry would be very good together if you'd meet him halfway."
"She's right, Severus. You're both powerful and your magic is compatible. If that wasn't the case then we'd have never known what happened to you." Poppy added.
"Just think about it, Severus, and try not to be too hard on the boy. He'll be staying with you until your snake is returned to you." Albus informed with a hint of warning to his voice.
The hospital wing doors slammed open and Severus heard very heavy footsteps making their way towards his bed. A whiff of wet dog and hippogriff identified the new person as Hagrid. Severus waited patiently for the man to peak and restrained from snapping at Hagrid to hurry up.
"I'm afraid I have bad news. Professor Snape's snake was hurt worse than I thought. She may not be able to see again. I've tried everything I could think of. I think some glass had gotten into 'er eyes when you both were attacked." Hagrid said in a sad voice. Severus guessed that the half giant took his inability to help his sight familiar personally.
"You did you best, Hagrid." Albus told the grounds keeper.
"Hagrid, would you give her back to me when you have the chance." Severus asked, feeling the sudden need to have his snake nearby.
"I have 'er right here with me, Professor. She wouldn't let me leave without her."
Severus listened as Hagrid shuffled slowly closer. When the half giant stopped the sound of scales brushing over fabric reached his hears. Severus slowly reached out in the direction he thought Hagrid was standing and felt a brief touch of the serpent's tongue against his finger tips. Not even a breath later he had the full weight of the snake rapidly moving up his arm to settle around his neck and shoulders. He forgot the others in the room with him as he turned his full attention to the serpent hissing in his ear.
"I am sorry, master. I allowed an enemy to get close and hurt you."
"I failed to be vigilant and to use my instincts. You are not at fault." Severus hissed back comfortingly.
"I will kill the cold one who dared to attack you. I will make him suffer." The snake hissed belligerently.
"The born speaker has already dealt with our attacker." Severus responded and wondered at the odd way the reference to Potter translated into parseltongue.
"Good, it is proper for mates to protect and avenge each other."
"He is not my mate!"
"Yes he is, master. You wish to his mate. Your heart beats faster when he's close. I can feel your fear, master. You don't wish to be hurt, but denying yourself your mate will cause more pain than those before him have caused."
"Even if I did, Potter will not want to be my mate." Severus told the snake bitterly.
"He has already proven that he does. He found me, he gave you the gift of his ability to speak my tongue and he defended you. Did he not try to mate with you?"
"We kissed, nothing more you nosy thing."
"But he tried didn't he?"
"He would have if I hadn't thrown him out. What did you tell him to make him act like that?" Severus grounded out unwillingly, half afraid of the answer.
"I told him what I sensed from you when you were in his presence. Anything he did was his own choices."
"Oh." Severus was glad the others in the room couldn't understand this conversation. It took all his will not to flush or let his jaw drop in shock. The fact that Potter did want him stunned him a lot considering how he treated the brat over the years.
The snake didn't say anything more and a trace of smugness seeped through their bond. That annoyed Severus more than anything and he wanted to strangle the reptile. He couldn't stand the smug attitude from Albus and having a snake project that at him made it worse. He was about to hiss something cutting at the serpent around his neck when a throat cleared nearby, reminding him of the presence of others by his bead.
"She's upset that she let Mr. Malfoy close enough to attack me." Severus told the four gathered around his bed. He was glad he couldn't see Albus and his infernal twinkling blue eyes. He knew the old man would have guessed that Potter came up in his and the snake's conversation.
"That's understandable. What are you going to do with her now?" Albus asked quietly.
"I'll keep her. I'll at least have someone to talk to while Potter's in class." Severus said thoughtfully. He couldn't believe he mentioned the brat so casually. He felt the snake bounce her blunt nose against his cheek in what he felt was an affectionate gesture.
"Do you want to get another so you can teach soon?" Hagrid asked, a bit of hesitation evident in his booming voice.
"No, I don't think so. It's too much effort to go through for something that can get hurt too easily." Severus said which set the snake to hissing violently.
"Yes, get another one. Bring my mate here. Once my nestlings are hatched they can be your eyes." She hissed excitedly. Severus was about to answer when another voice entered the conversation.
"Why didn't you tell me that you had a mate when I asked you to be Severus' familiar?" Potter hissed to the snake and Severus decided to keep silent and concentrate on the bond between him and Potter.
"I didn't think you cared about my having a mate. Most humans don't, speaker."
"Harry, my name is Harry. I would have sent for your mate immediately. I'm a bit shocked that the supplier broke up a breeding pair."
"You would have brought him here?" The snake replied in amazement and Severus felt a wave of joy coming from the snake, which overwhelmed his connection with Potter.
While Potter discussed bringing his snake's mate to Hogwarts, Severus soothed the snake and focused all his attention on the bond with Potter. The first thing he felt coming from the brat was anger and that dissipated as Hagrid left to arrange the purchase of the male snake. Once that immediate emotion faded into nothing, Severus felt depression rolling through the bond like a tidal wave, but he felt that all week from the boy. He didn't know why the boy was depressed and he'll confront the brat about it since he couldn't keep it to himself. Potter spoke with Albus about the events of the other day and as they younger wizard did so guilt flooded the bond between them. Severus wondered why the boy was able to hide it so well the other day, but wasn't able to now. After a few moments the answer came to him like the ceiling crashing down. They boy was wearing a mask, one that was too much like his for comfort. Potter put forth the face the world expected to see while inside he was in turmoil.
Hard on that realization another came. The brat didn't have anyone to talk about the situation he now found himself in. Sure he had the Weasleys, but none of them had to kill someone before despite the elder two's participation in the last war with Voldemort. The oldest Weasley son may be someone the brat can go to given the dangerous profession the young man was in. He was sure to have seen a colleague or two die during their trawling through the tombs of Egypt for Gringotts. It wasn't the same as actually killing the person yourself and Severus doubted Potter would get the support he needed for that from the eldest Weasley offspring. As he pondered this another thought struck him like lightening. Potter let his masks down when in the presence of those he was most comfortable with. His Head of House, the Headmaster, Poppy, who had the boy as a patient far more frequently than the werewolf was, and, to his shocked surprise, himself.
As the surprise of realization faded a small ball of warmth settled somewhere deep inside him. A spot that really hadn't felt much since the day Albus helped him on the road to redemption all those years ago. He still wasn't quite sure why he turned from the Dark Lord. He had buried that defining moment deep with in him a long time ago. He continued to analyze this recent revelation and realized that he, Minerva and Albus were the only three adults Potter had any contact with that would be able to comprehend the pain and self-disgust the boy felt. Actually the three of them were the only three adults Harry knew who had killed in order to defend another, though Malfoy didn't have a chance to run from the brat. He never noticed as he pondered the situation that he referred to Potter as Harry within his thoughts, nor did he noticed the glee that radiated off the snake around his neck as she did notice.
Severus had a lot to think about now and he'd have to explore the facts that Potter revealed unknowingly to him. Poppy declared that he needed to rest and chased everyone away. He wondered why Potter had shown up and he guessed that he'd never know. After securing the door Poppy proceeded to check him over once again, despite the fact that she had done so a mere two hours earlier. She shoved potions at him and waited impatiently for him to down each one before telling him he would be free to return to his rooms after breakfast the next morning. Now if he could figure out why Harry was depressed he could act on it and end the constant barrage he was receiving. He could feel those waves battering against his mental wall. He didn't realize that he had spoken out loud until the snake spoke.
"It's because you rejected him." She replied sleepily and Severus decided as the potions started to take control and dragged him under that he need to give his companion a name.
Severus woke slowly and barely regained consciousness before Poppy arrived to fuss over him. She didn't even bother to ask him how he felt, she just began to poke and prod him with fingers and wand. After the exam she pronounced him fit to leave and before he could make his escape she pinned him to the bed with a tray. He could smell the toast, tea, and strawberry laden oatmeal wafting up from the vicinity of his lap. He gingerly felt for a spoon as the mediwitch bustled away. He managed to eat without making a mess. He could thank his years of teaching for his ability to do so. After all he spent all of his time at meals watching the students, looking for troublemakers and quelling any mischief from his own house. When was he supposed to look down at his plate in order to eat?
Once his tray was cleared away, Poppy allowed him to dress, but wouldn't allow him to leave until someone arrived to guide him to his quarters. The person assigned turned out to be Harry. Severus knew it the moment his feet shuffled into the wing.
"When ever you're ready to leave, Professor, let me know." Harry replied, resorting to the formal form of address in a very quiet, dejected voice.
"I'm ready now. Now hurry before Poppy returns and changes her mind." Severus snapped, more from desperation and the need to escape the sterile confines of the hospital wing than aggravation. He heard the younger wizard shuffle forward until he stood next to Severus and when the boy felt his hand rest on his should, Harry slowly walked off, leading Severus out of the Hospital Wing and down to the dungeons.
Harry didn't say a word and Severus could still feel the depression thrumming along their bond. He could hear the muffled whispers of the students as they made their way through the halls. He couldn't make out what the various groups were saying since there were so many clusters babbling through the hallways the echoes jumbled everything together. He felt his young guide stiffen as they made their way through the stone halls and guessed that they were mostly talking about Harry. Severus caught some malicious comments as they came closer to the dungeons. They made it to the entrance of his rooms without any of his Slytherins accosting them. Severus snarled the password to the silent portrait and allowed the younger man to lead him inside. He was led straight to his arm chair and when he told Harry that he didn't need anything the Gryffindor retreated into the once again newly attached room.
The next few days went quietly. He didn't hear much from Harry, who stayed in his room unless someone knocked on the door. The boy's emotions still didn't lessen; in fact they deepened to the point that caused Severus to become alarmed. Severus was visited by Albus and Minerva frequently and occasionally Sprout would come down to talk and give him updates on his students, which neither Albus nor Minerva bothered to do. While he couldn't do anything to save those caught by Harry's forces he would do his best to keep the rest safe if he could. Flitwick arrived a day after his release from the Infirmary with a curious device he invented. It allowed Severus to 'read' his journals and books without the intervention of another person. It was a cleverly charmed device and Severus was grateful for its use, though Flitwick refused any form of payment for the device or the time he took to created it. It relieved the potential boredom that threatened and prevented him from having to listen to Harry drone on in a monotone if he had asked the brat to read to him.
Unfortunately human nature made itself known. How could he know that the small amount of contact he had with his co-workers and students was something he'd miss? He was restless and despite the fact he couldn't see the walls around him he felt claustrophobic. He needed to get out.
"Potter!" Severus called out when the feeling drove him to his feet.
"Yes, Professor?" Harry responded, still with a dejected note to his voice.
"I need to leave these rooms. We're going for a walk."
"I just need to put my shoes on, sir." Harry replied and Severus listened to the light padding of his feet back into his room. Harry returned moments later with his shoes clicking on the small area of bare stone in his quarters. "I'm ready. Where would you like to go?"
"Anywhere that isn't in here." Severus responded and allowed himself to be led out of his rooms and the dungeons.
"Would you rather stay inside the castle or chance the grounds?" Harry asked quietly as they reached the empty, echoing space of the Entrance Hall.
"We'll stay inside. I'm leery of the outdoors at this time, nor should you be heading outside without an army at your side.
"Alright." Harry answered and went silent once again.
They walked up stairs and along the corridors of the various floors Harry led them through. Severus found the boy's silence unnerving when he was used to hearing the constant babble when they young wizard was with his friends. He mentally snarled at himself when he decided to break the silence.
"What have you been up to? I haven't heard a sound out of you when you aren't answering the door."
"Homework mostly. Research when time permits."
"What are you researching? Spells to remove the Dark Lord?"
"Earlier in the term I was working on that. Now I'm searching through those books Professor Flitwick and Hermione put aside believing they wouldn't hold the information they need to reverse that curse Voldemort used. I'm just making sure there wasn't anything useful in them when I'm not researching that bond we used." That was the most Severus heard out of the brat in over a week.
"Did you find anything of interest?" Severus hated making this petty small talk, but the lack of noise would have driven him insane. He pushed along their bond to see if he could find out what the pest was thinking. What he got was unexpected.
Severus' darkened would burst in light and shadows. He tried to look around, but realized that he wasn't in control. After a slight bit of panic he noticed that he seemed to be much shorter. It wasn't until he noticed the heavy black frames that he understood what had happened. He was looking through Harry's eyes.
"How?" He barked half heartedly.
"I've read over the bonding spells Hermione and I discarded and noticed they all mentioned looking through the other person's eyes. I thought it would be worth the effort to see if I could allow you to use mine until the male snake gets here, provided he doesn't kill his handler."
"You'd… Why? Why are you doing this?" Severus' emotions were whirling within him and he was completely confused when it came to the enigma standing slightly in front of him.
"Because I owe you, because I care. Do I need to list more?"
"Why do you care? You've hated me just as much as I hated you. Why the sudden change of heart?"
"It wasn't a recent development. My perception of you has changed since the summer of my fifth year. Why? I haven't a clue. I just know that what I feel about you isn't hate anymore."
Harry's voice was soft as he answered, but once he was done he returned to his silent guiding. Severus thought back to the day he first threw Harry out of his quarters. What did Harry do that made him react the way he did? It took another set of stairs and long corridor before he understood what his problem was. Harry had made the first move and was aggressive in his approach. Far too many poor choices on his part made him leery of those that come to him. The few encounters he's had in recent years were all initiated by him. Now the harder questions needed to be answered. Did he find Harry attractive? Yes. Did he want to make this more than a bonding of convenience? The answer to that question took longer to answer and the response surprised him. It was a definitive YES.
They slowly made their way towards a popular trysting spot among the seventh years and Severus stopped their forward motion as they reached the shadowy alcove.
"Would you consent to helping me teach?"
"You want me to play Seeing Eye dog?"
"Yes, I have the feeling that Seline's mate will be much too large to carry around."
"It's a possibility. What would I be doing about classes if I'm going to be aiding you?"
"We'll try and get the rest of the staff to tutor you after dinner. Have you thought about using a corrective potion for your eyesight?"
"There's a potion for that?" Harry replied in shocked amazement.
"No one's mentioned it to you? Not even Poppy?" Severus was shocked. Surely Albus would have mentioned it to him. Wearing those glasses was dangerous given the large target the boy had on his back.
"No, I didn't think there was. Percy wears glasses too and I thought that there wasn't a cure for that. Hermione's never mentioned it either and she's read almost everything."
"There is one, but it needs to be used immediately after brewing." Severus told the younger man and felt surprise radiating through the bond, which quickly turned into pleasure as the idea sunk into Harry's brain. "Do you want to take it?"
"Yes. Yes I think I would." Harry replied and the pleasure Severus felt through the bond was evident in his voice.
The sound sent a shiver up Severus' spine and his mind happily provided scenarios where those sounds could be reproduced. He had the perfect opportunity to repair what he shattered with his hang-ups and in a moment of rare impulsiveness he decided to leap.
"Check that alcove. I've caught quite a few of your year mates hiding in there." Harry turned to do as he asked while keeping the link that allowed him to see through the younger man's eyes active.
As Harry went into the alcove to make sure it was empty Severus slipped behind him silently so that the green-eyed wizard would bump into him. It also allowed the younger man no avenue of escape before Severus made his move. Harry turned to leave the alcove and bumped right into Severus. Through the young wizard's eyes Severus could see his face, slightly blurry, and feel the confusion of the wizard in front of him. Harry hesitated and Severus used that brief moment to fumble for and remove the thick rimmed glasses, making both men unable to see. Once he safely tucked Harry's glasses into a pocket Severus slowly reached up in search of the short man's face. The object of his search was found and he allowed his fingers to examine the planes of Harry's face. Satisfied with his explorations he tilted the face upwards and bent his own downwards. His aim was off, but he had an excuse and it didn't seem to bother Harry much. This time the slide of lips and tongue felt right to him, as did the sudden burst of happiness coming from Harry's end of the bond. Time slowed to nothing and his world narrowed only to the man he could no longer see. When he pulled away Harry buried his face against Severus' neck trembling with reaction. This time Severus wasn't going to let go.
Neither man noticed the lack of a serpent on the taller man's shoulders. They also didn't notice the small shadowy form that was watching from the edge of the alcove. The form moved away from the shadows it had hidden in and the shape resolved itself into that of a cat once it was in the lit hallway. The tabby stopped and with a pop became a woman of late years with square spectacles and a severe bun of slightly greying hair. Instead of the normally stern look that her students usually saw a bright and happy smile was on her face. She looked down at the snake that had coiled at her feet before bending to pick the creature up. As she strode down the hallway to the nearest stairs she could be heard speaking to reptile in her hands. "It's about bloody time!"
Ever since they performed the ritual, Harry made sure to keep his distance from Severus, though his heart demanded otherwise. He did his best to Occlude his mind and was worried that his feelings were leaking through to the other man. Other than that, he didn't try to hide how he was feeling from anyone. He was depressed and it was all due to Severus' rejection and unless the man changed his mind and came to him, there was nothing he could do. He couldn't pinpoint when his feeling for the cynical man changed, but he didn't really care. He'd accept the man's affection, if it ever came, with a whole heart and no questions.
By the fourth day his depression reached new heights. Twice during the previous two nights Severus sent a surge of anger through their bond and Harry guessed that he wasn't blocking his end properly. Unfortunately his control kept slipping as he became more and more depressed. He also couldn't fathom why his depression was deepening at such a rate. Could it be a side effect of the bond? Was there something else they needed to do? He could envision more time spent in the library in the near future. Thankfully it was Saturday and he was able to hide himself in the common room. This way he would be able to avoid seeing his Head of House and her sad eyes. She wanted to beard Severus in his lair and Harry begged her not to. He knew any outside interference would make matters worse between him and the irritable wizard in the dungeons.
As he brooded in on of the arm chairs by the fire he started feeling some of Severus' emotions. It caught his attention like nothing else did since they bonded. Severus was too in control of his emotions to let them slip like this and a feeling of dread filled Harry, though when he analyzed the feelings he was receiving they weren't negative. Actually Severus must have been in a good mood because those leaking emotions were positive and they were something Harry wouldn't have expected to feel from the older wizard. Severus could be out gathering fresh ingredients for his brewing, which was more than enough to put the Potions Master in a good mood. He now had his craft back and Harry hoped that he stayed close to the castle.
After a few more moments Harry relaxed, but it didn't shake the foreboding that plagued him when he first felt the input from Severus. It seemed that those instincts were spot on when Severus' emotions turned to fear and raced through the bond between them. He could also feel wariness and for a moment he was frozen in indecision. When panic followed shortly after that, Harry was out of his seat and heading for the portrait hole before he could think of a plan of action. Just before he reached the exit he decided that he should alert the teachers and bring someone with him. Severus would have his hide if he didn't bring someone to cover his back. He began barking orders to his house mates and was barely registered the lot of them moving quickly. A flash of red and brown indicated that Ron and Hermione decided that they weren't going to let him go alone and it solved the one problem his didn't rectify on his way out. His thoughts were so focused on his goal that he was surprised to see students boiling out of the hallways leading to the entrance hall all looking ready for combat. He glanced over his shoulder to see Hermione putting her D.A. galleon away. She glanced at him in challenge, but all Harry did was nod at her, earning a sigh of relief from his long time friend.
Harry's surprise grew as he saw the contingent of Gryffindors thundering down the stairs. Every one of his housemates was there, from the seventh years to the smallest of the first years. Shock held him immobile for several precious moments before someone broke the stalemate. As expected, when he managed to clear his head enough to respond, it was Hermione who asked the question they needed answered.
"Harry, what's wrong?" She asked breathlessly.
"Severus is in trouble and I don't have time to talk about it."
"We'll follow. You can't go alone." Hermione responded and when the rest of the crowd protested she snapped at the lot. "You'll get your explanations when we're done rescuing the Professor.
"Just keep up and keep quiet." Harry ordered over his shoulder as he charged out the large oak doors of Hogwarts.
Harry focused on the bond between him and Severus and used it like a compass. He went running straight into the Forbidden Forest and didn't bother using the paths. He charged through the underbrush blasting away the vegetation that tried to snag him. He saw blasts from those following him eliminating any threats as he continued his forward progress. He was able to feel Severus' emotions clearer as he moved closer to the man's location. As his first scream of agony rang through the trees, Harry stumbled as the pain the older man felt ripped through him. Harry sped through the trees even faster and he realized he was leaving some of his party behind, though Ron's bright red hair bobbed along in his peripheral vision. He charged into the clearing without any form of stealth and stopped in shock as he watched Malfoy cast a cutting curse on Severus. As the blood seeped through the fingers Severus clamped over the wound a film of red clouded Harry's vision. There were dozens of shocked gasps sounding from behind him and the group torturing the Potions Master didn't hear their arrival due to the older man's screams.
Harry could feel his magic pulsing around him as his rage grew and without thinking he sent a disarming charm flying at the first clear target he saw. He was able to identify who his victim was as the body flew through the air to impact with a tree. The sickening sound of a wet melon breaking confirmed that Goyle wasn't going to terrorize anyone any more. Malfoy turned slowly in their direction and looked like he was going to fire a hex. From the look of shock on his face Harry guessed that the blonde wasn't expecting the number of people he brought with him. Harry watched savagely as all the color drained from Malfoy's face when the Slytherin noticed he was there. Severus' pain fueled his anger and he could feel the power pulsing in him. Malfoy's face took on one of absolute terror as the blonde sensed the power Harry was holding. Harry ignored the spreading wet spot on Malfoy's trousers.
"Malfoy," he hissed angrily and at the sound of his rage the rest of the Slytherins fled in several directions.
Harry listened, as he kept Malfoy pinned by his gaze, to Hermione and Ron sending out groups of students to pursue those trying to get away. He allowed them to take charge of the rest. Malfoy was his and he wouldn't go free to harm another, but he needed to end this quickly. He allowed instinct to guide him and it prompted him to send some of that gathered magical strength along the bond to Severus. Harry hoped it would hold the man stable until he removed the threat against him. He didn't doubt that the blonde would use Severus as a shield or bargaining piece and Harry wouldn't allow that to happen. Harry took a step closer to Severus in order to get between him and Malfoy and unfortunately it broke Malfoy out of the paralysis that held him to the clearing instead of fleeing with the rest.
"Don't move, Potter, or your charity project will get it." Malfoy raised his wand and pointed it at Severus.
"He isn't a charity case, Malfoy." Harry spat in anger. "I wouldn't have bonded to him if I didn't care about what happens to him."
"Yeah right, Potter. You're full of it. After the way he's treated you over the years you think I’m going to believe that?" Malfoy scoffed and as he moved his wand unconsciously away from Severus.
"People change, Malfoy, and besides I had a debt to pay." Once he was sure that Malfoy wasn't going to lift his wand again Harry struck quickly. "Legilimens!"
Images flew past Harry as he searched for information from Malfoy's mind. Angrily he dug for what he was looking for as the enjoyment the bastard felt as he tortured Severus paraded before him. Finally he found what he was looking for and ruthlessly absorbed as much information as he could before Malfoy managed to toss him out. The feeling of a Cruciatus Curse ran along his nerves and he pulled out of Malfoy's mind with a jerk. He quickly grounded the curse before it could work on him and he made sure to block the link to Severus as best he could. Malfoy gawked in shock as he curse failed once again. Harry smirked and showed him once again how the properly cast the spell. Being able to ground the spell was something he stumbled upon during the summer holidays. He was out in the garden when Voldemort started torturing his latest victims and some of his failed followers. He was trying to hold the screams in as the echo of Voldemort's Cruciatus Curse ran down the link between them. He had buried his fingers in the grass in the Dursleys' back garden and tried to push the pain back down the link. Instead of the agony running back through the link it went down into the ground. Harry was stunned, but realized that if it could work with the echo, then perhaps it could work when he was targeted directly. He waited until the next time Voldemort's fun broke through his shoddy barriers and tried again. It had worked and Harry made sure that he grounded the echo pain each time. Soon it wasn't necessary for Voldemort's romps since he managed to at least block the bastard out. Now the ability was coming in handy again.
"Harry, stop!" Hermione shrieked above the wails Malfoy was letting loose.
Harry released the curse, but didn't remove his gaze from Malfoy as he addressed Hermione.
"Why, Hermione? I'm within my rights." Harry responded calmly.
"No you're not, Harry. Using an unfor…"
"Actually according to our laws he is, Hermione." Ron interrupted.
"How can that be?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"They're bonded and our laws see no difference between a marriage bond and the one that allows the pair to share abilities. Harry's within his rights as part of a bonded pair to do what ever he wishes against anyone who dares harm his bond mate."
"That's horrible." Hermione cried out in disgust.
"It may be horrible, but I intend to exercise those rights. This is the second time I've caught the bastard torturing Severus. I will not tolerate this." Harry growled and smirked as Malfoy went paler still.
Hermione tried to argue him out of harming Malfoy, but Harry wasn't going to let her do so. Malfoy was a threat to the school and to Severus as long as he was present. There was no way to guarantee that he would stay out, given Voldemort's love of the Polyjuice potion. Malfoy fired a dark curse at Hermione, thinking that Harry wasn't paying attention to him, but as he tried to run Harry spelled his feet to the ground. As Harry was dealing with Malfoy, Hermione was frozen in place, trying to figure out the counter to the spell racing towards her. Ron acted first by pushing his girlfriend out of the way and the curse struck him, sending the red head to his knees in agony. Hermione broke out of her shock to immediately kneel at his side, while Harry dealt with the Death Eater.
"Congratulations, Malfoy. You've been volunteered to test the spell I'm planning on using on Riddle." Harry spat at the blonde.
"Potter, don't do anything stupid." Severus hissed as he tried to sit up.
"I'm not. Sending them to Azkaban, where Riddle can readily get them out is stupid and I need to know if I can cast this spell. If it doesn't work then we'll do it your way. Now lie down before you do more damage to yourself. You don't know how deep it goes."
"Don't tell me what to do, Potter!"
"I will to. Dumbledore will have my hide if something else happens to you." Harry replied to Snape's order. "Now let me concentrate."
Harry focused his thoughts on the incantation for the soul destruction spell. Once he was sure of the incantation he raised his hand and aimed at Malfoy, whose eyes widened in shock when he realized Harry wasn't using his wand. While Malfoy was dwelling on Harry's lack of a wand during their encounter, Harry shouted 'Destroy this soul' and watched as the pure white beam shout from his hand and barreled at Malfoy. It struck the blond square in the chest and blinded everyone in the area. A silent whoosh was all that marked Malfoy's passing before the body fell limply to the ground. Harry struggled to keep an impassive face despite the fact that he wanted to huddle on the ground and cry. It was the most horrible feeling and he couldn't comprehend how Voldemort and the rest looked forward to killing as much as they did.
He was lucky that he succeeded in keeping the angry and aloof look on his face since the D.A. returned triumphant from their pursuits. From the quick glance he took at the people returning as he walked to Severus' side, they managed to capture the entire contingent of junior Death Eaters. Harry pulled off his jumper and gently pulled Severus' hands away from the older man's wounded stomach. Harry was surprised at how slowly the wound was bleeding as he pressed the jumper over the wound. He hoped they weren't too late, but when Severus started snarling at him relief flooded him.
Not long after the last D.A. member marched past him with their prisoners firmly in tow, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hooch and Hagrid charged into the clearing with wands and crossbow raised and ready. Harry didn't pay attention to them as he conjured a stretcher for Severus and he heard Hermione doing the same for Ron, who had bitten through his lower lip to keep from screaming. Both Harry and Hermione levitated the injured men onto their respective stretchers. Harry walked by a flabbergasted Headmaster with Severus floating next to him. As he passed Hooch, who turned to escort them back to the school, he heard Neville and Ginny speaking to the Headmaster and McGonagall. He didn't care to hear what Dumbledore had to say and knew that Ginny and Neville will fill him in later if Dumbledore doesn't corner him elsewhere.
Silently he and Hermione walked to the castle infirmary. Once there the set Severus and Ron onto adjacent beds while Hooch went to fetch Pomfrey. Madam Pomfrey immediately tossed them out and set out to work. Harry decided the best thing to do was to retreat to Gryffindor tower and concentrate on the bond connecting him and Severus. On the way there they were intercepted by Dumbledore and McGonagall and Harry was told that Hagrid had Severus' snake, which was badly injured by Malfoy. Dumbledore gazed at him as he walked by with disappointment on his face and McGonagall's was blank. As he and Hermione started up the stairs to Gryffindor tower he saw Neville and Ginny with Sprout and Flitwick, levitating Malfoy's and Goyle's bodies to the hospital wing. Harry didn't say a word, but once in the safety of him curtained bed he allowed the tears to flow. He made sure that no one would hear him as he vented his feelings. He spent the rest of the day staring at the canopy of his bed trying to sort through his emotional baggage. He didn't feel much from Severus so he guessed that Poppy dosed him with a Dreamless Sleep potion. He tried to sleep, but was unable to do so. He gave up around one in the morning and grabbed his cloak before leaving the tower to walk through the castle.
His silent roaming did nothing to help him sort through his mangled emotions. His feet brought him to McGonagall's office without any direction from him. Harry knocked on the door and waited until the older witch wrenched the door open with a surprised and annoyed expression on her face. It was an odd look, but Harry didn't find any amusement in the unusual expression that contorted his Head of House's face.
"Mr. Potter, why are you up an about at this hour?" She snapped before she took a good look at him. Something in his face alerted her to his plight. Instead of giving him detention she stepped aside to let him into her domain. "What's wrong, Harry?"
"I couldn't sleep because of this afternoon. How can they do that day after day?" Harry asked beseechingly as the tears started to flow again.
"How can who do what?" McGonagall asked quietly and she led Harry into her personal quarters.
"Voldemort and the Death Eaters. How can they kill all the time? How am I supposed to kill Voldemort when I'm an emotional wreck after killing Malfoy? What am I supposed to do?" Harry wailed once the door to her rooms was closed.
"You do the best you can, Harry, and allow your friends to help you when it's over and done with."
"What if they turn me into a monster like them? What happens if I become to0 accustomed to this?" Harry sobbed and covered his face with his hands.
He jumped when he felt McGonagall's arms go around him, but the comfort was too much and he broke down completely. He didn't remember much afterwards other than McGonagall's soothing voice as he wept.
Severus woke up disoriented and aching all over. The next thing he noticed was that he couldn't see a thing and the moment that thought crossed his mind the events of Saturday presented themselves to him. Draco was dead. He heard the younger man's body hit the leaf covered ground in the forest. He could still hear Potter's cold voice shouting out the curse that killed the Malfoy heir. They've created a monster and unleashed him upon the world. There wasn't any feeling of regret or remorse coming from Potter's end of the bond. He didn't think that the brat would be able to block his end of the bond despite the clumsy ability he had at Occlumency. Either way it was something he had to discuss with Albus.
"Severus, you're awake. Is there anything causing you discomfort or pain?" Poppy barged into his thoughts.
"I'm sore in some places and ache everywhere. May I leave now?" Severus said quietly.
"You may leave when I say you can." Poppy told him in her 'don't think you can sneak away' voice. "Now, can you sit up?"
Severus gingerly inched his way into a sitting position, hissing every few seconds as a stabbing pain in his abdomen made itself known. Memories of the curses aimed at him when his students tortured him came to the forefront of him mind as well as Potter's 'you don't know how deep it is' comment.
"How bad was it, Poppy?" Severus asked with an arm wrapped around his stomach as he negotiated the last few inches.
"Very bad, Severus. The curse almost made it to your spine. I managed to heal all of your damaged organs and removed any bacteria that were released by the curse. Had I known that Mr. Potter was feeding you his magic before I threw him out I would have been able to completely heal your abdominal muscles. With out his magic we would have lost you, Severus." Poppy informed him, her voice going misty in sorrow.
"Potter?" Severus mumbled, mostly to himself.
"Yes, Mr. Potter." Poppy replied with wonder in her voice. "That young man never ceases to amaze me. Now I'll get you something to each and I expect you to eat it all. Understand?"
"Yes, Poppy, anything that will get me out of here faster."
Severus listened to Poppy's steps leaving the wing proper and once he could no longer hear her he turned his thoughts inwards. Potter was proving himself to be an enigma of monstrous proportions. He couldn't reconcile the arrogant brat with the cold killer of the other day. He ate mechanically without pulling out of his musings when Poppy returned with a tray of porridge and watered down juice. He tried to work through the puzzle that was Potter and he realized there were several pieces missing. One of which was why did Potter willingly bond with him? Another was why did the brat pick a permanent bond when there were several reversible ones he could have chosen? He was no closer to figuring out the answers to those questions when he heard Albus' soft footsteps entering the wing.
"Severus, my boy, how are you feeling?" Albus asked, his voice dripping with worry.
"I am well considering what happened."
"It was fortuitous that Harry found out what was happening."
"I am as surprised as you are." Severus replied and something in his voice must have communicated his concern about Potter's behavior to the Headmaster.
"What is troubling you, Severus?" Albus asked as the quick, sharp sound of Minerva's shoes echoed through the room.
"Potter. His behaviour yesterday to be specific." Severus paused to gather his thoughts. "He sounded much like the Dark Lord does. I heard nothing that indicated that his actions bothered him."
"Ah, he did look rather cold and angry yesterday. Much like I remember young Tom, when he was student here, looking." Albus replied thoughtfully. "Today he isn't anywhere to be found."
"Neither of you have anything to worry about. Mr. Potter is in my quarters asleep. He came to me early this morning after failing to deal with his having to kill fellow classmates. While I may not approve of his actions he did state at least one valid explanation for the death of Mr. Malfoy." Minerva stated before he and Albus could make plans for dealing with the young wizard in question.
"What is his reason?" Severus spat. "Other than his right to protect his bond mate."
"He felt that Mr. Malfoy was a treat to the school given his father's rank within the Death Eaters. Most of parents in You-Know-Who's ranks are either dead, in St. Mungo's, Azkaban or simply not trusted. Their children would not be used without a higher ranking child in charge of them."
"So Mr. Potter didn't take the killing he did yesterday well?"
"Not at all, Albus. I'm concerned that he may balk when it's time to kill You-Know-Who." Minerva said and Severus heard Albus sigh in disappointment and it was at Potter's action, but rather it was directed at Minerva's inability to call the Dark Lord by name. He should recognize it since Albus directed it at him many times before.
"Just what we need." Severus spat. "It was a mistake on Potter's part to kill Malfoy. He'll be useless when the time comes." Severus shuddered at the thought of being left behind in Voldemort's hands.
"I don't think so, Severus. Voldemort will target those close to Harry before turning his sights to him. He'll want to hurt Harry as much as he can emotionally, before trying to kill him. Harry will do anything to protect those he cares for. He's already proven that as well as made it very clear that you are off limits to both sides of this conflict."
"I am not Potter's property!" Severus growled, angry at the implications.
"No one said you were, Severus." Minerva snapped back. "He cares about you and he is sincere."
"Why would he need to care about me? He's got hoards of Weasleys to lavish his affection on." Severus felt a pang as he said this, but couldn't fathom why.
"Yes, he has the Weasleys, but they aren't his. He feels like an outsider no matter how welcome they make him. He's never had anything or anyone that belonged solely to him. Neither do you." Minerva replied in a soft voice. "Don't tell me you have Albus, because he belongs more to the school than anything or anyone. You and Harry would be very good together if you'd meet him halfway."
"She's right, Severus. You're both powerful and your magic is compatible. If that wasn't the case then we'd have never known what happened to you." Poppy added.
"Just think about it, Severus, and try not to be too hard on the boy. He'll be staying with you until your snake is returned to you." Albus informed with a hint of warning to his voice.
The hospital wing doors slammed open and Severus heard very heavy footsteps making their way towards his bed. A whiff of wet dog and hippogriff identified the new person as Hagrid. Severus waited patiently for the man to peak and restrained from snapping at Hagrid to hurry up.
"I'm afraid I have bad news. Professor Snape's snake was hurt worse than I thought. She may not be able to see again. I've tried everything I could think of. I think some glass had gotten into 'er eyes when you both were attacked." Hagrid said in a sad voice. Severus guessed that the half giant took his inability to help his sight familiar personally.
"You did you best, Hagrid." Albus told the grounds keeper.
"Hagrid, would you give her back to me when you have the chance." Severus asked, feeling the sudden need to have his snake nearby.
"I have 'er right here with me, Professor. She wouldn't let me leave without her."
Severus listened as Hagrid shuffled slowly closer. When the half giant stopped the sound of scales brushing over fabric reached his hears. Severus slowly reached out in the direction he thought Hagrid was standing and felt a brief touch of the serpent's tongue against his finger tips. Not even a breath later he had the full weight of the snake rapidly moving up his arm to settle around his neck and shoulders. He forgot the others in the room with him as he turned his full attention to the serpent hissing in his ear.
"I am sorry, master. I allowed an enemy to get close and hurt you."
"I failed to be vigilant and to use my instincts. You are not at fault." Severus hissed back comfortingly.
"I will kill the cold one who dared to attack you. I will make him suffer." The snake hissed belligerently.
"The born speaker has already dealt with our attacker." Severus responded and wondered at the odd way the reference to Potter translated into parseltongue.
"Good, it is proper for mates to protect and avenge each other."
"He is not my mate!"
"Yes he is, master. You wish to his mate. Your heart beats faster when he's close. I can feel your fear, master. You don't wish to be hurt, but denying yourself your mate will cause more pain than those before him have caused."
"Even if I did, Potter will not want to be my mate." Severus told the snake bitterly.
"He has already proven that he does. He found me, he gave you the gift of his ability to speak my tongue and he defended you. Did he not try to mate with you?"
"We kissed, nothing more you nosy thing."
"But he tried didn't he?"
"He would have if I hadn't thrown him out. What did you tell him to make him act like that?" Severus grounded out unwillingly, half afraid of the answer.
"I told him what I sensed from you when you were in his presence. Anything he did was his own choices."
"Oh." Severus was glad the others in the room couldn't understand this conversation. It took all his will not to flush or let his jaw drop in shock. The fact that Potter did want him stunned him a lot considering how he treated the brat over the years.
The snake didn't say anything more and a trace of smugness seeped through their bond. That annoyed Severus more than anything and he wanted to strangle the reptile. He couldn't stand the smug attitude from Albus and having a snake project that at him made it worse. He was about to hiss something cutting at the serpent around his neck when a throat cleared nearby, reminding him of the presence of others by his bead.
"She's upset that she let Mr. Malfoy close enough to attack me." Severus told the four gathered around his bed. He was glad he couldn't see Albus and his infernal twinkling blue eyes. He knew the old man would have guessed that Potter came up in his and the snake's conversation.
"That's understandable. What are you going to do with her now?" Albus asked quietly.
"I'll keep her. I'll at least have someone to talk to while Potter's in class." Severus said thoughtfully. He couldn't believe he mentioned the brat so casually. He felt the snake bounce her blunt nose against his cheek in what he felt was an affectionate gesture.
"Do you want to get another so you can teach soon?" Hagrid asked, a bit of hesitation evident in his booming voice.
"No, I don't think so. It's too much effort to go through for something that can get hurt too easily." Severus said which set the snake to hissing violently.
"Yes, get another one. Bring my mate here. Once my nestlings are hatched they can be your eyes." She hissed excitedly. Severus was about to answer when another voice entered the conversation.
"Why didn't you tell me that you had a mate when I asked you to be Severus' familiar?" Potter hissed to the snake and Severus decided to keep silent and concentrate on the bond between him and Potter.
"I didn't think you cared about my having a mate. Most humans don't, speaker."
"Harry, my name is Harry. I would have sent for your mate immediately. I'm a bit shocked that the supplier broke up a breeding pair."
"You would have brought him here?" The snake replied in amazement and Severus felt a wave of joy coming from the snake, which overwhelmed his connection with Potter.
While Potter discussed bringing his snake's mate to Hogwarts, Severus soothed the snake and focused all his attention on the bond with Potter. The first thing he felt coming from the brat was anger and that dissipated as Hagrid left to arrange the purchase of the male snake. Once that immediate emotion faded into nothing, Severus felt depression rolling through the bond like a tidal wave, but he felt that all week from the boy. He didn't know why the boy was depressed and he'll confront the brat about it since he couldn't keep it to himself. Potter spoke with Albus about the events of the other day and as they younger wizard did so guilt flooded the bond between them. Severus wondered why the boy was able to hide it so well the other day, but wasn't able to now. After a few moments the answer came to him like the ceiling crashing down. They boy was wearing a mask, one that was too much like his for comfort. Potter put forth the face the world expected to see while inside he was in turmoil.
Hard on that realization another came. The brat didn't have anyone to talk about the situation he now found himself in. Sure he had the Weasleys, but none of them had to kill someone before despite the elder two's participation in the last war with Voldemort. The oldest Weasley son may be someone the brat can go to given the dangerous profession the young man was in. He was sure to have seen a colleague or two die during their trawling through the tombs of Egypt for Gringotts. It wasn't the same as actually killing the person yourself and Severus doubted Potter would get the support he needed for that from the eldest Weasley offspring. As he pondered this another thought struck him like lightening. Potter let his masks down when in the presence of those he was most comfortable with. His Head of House, the Headmaster, Poppy, who had the boy as a patient far more frequently than the werewolf was, and, to his shocked surprise, himself.
As the surprise of realization faded a small ball of warmth settled somewhere deep inside him. A spot that really hadn't felt much since the day Albus helped him on the road to redemption all those years ago. He still wasn't quite sure why he turned from the Dark Lord. He had buried that defining moment deep with in him a long time ago. He continued to analyze this recent revelation and realized that he, Minerva and Albus were the only three adults Potter had any contact with that would be able to comprehend the pain and self-disgust the boy felt. Actually the three of them were the only three adults Harry knew who had killed in order to defend another, though Malfoy didn't have a chance to run from the brat. He never noticed as he pondered the situation that he referred to Potter as Harry within his thoughts, nor did he noticed the glee that radiated off the snake around his neck as she did notice.
Severus had a lot to think about now and he'd have to explore the facts that Potter revealed unknowingly to him. Poppy declared that he needed to rest and chased everyone away. He wondered why Potter had shown up and he guessed that he'd never know. After securing the door Poppy proceeded to check him over once again, despite the fact that she had done so a mere two hours earlier. She shoved potions at him and waited impatiently for him to down each one before telling him he would be free to return to his rooms after breakfast the next morning. Now if he could figure out why Harry was depressed he could act on it and end the constant barrage he was receiving. He could feel those waves battering against his mental wall. He didn't realize that he had spoken out loud until the snake spoke.
"It's because you rejected him." She replied sleepily and Severus decided as the potions started to take control and dragged him under that he need to give his companion a name.
Severus woke slowly and barely regained consciousness before Poppy arrived to fuss over him. She didn't even bother to ask him how he felt, she just began to poke and prod him with fingers and wand. After the exam she pronounced him fit to leave and before he could make his escape she pinned him to the bed with a tray. He could smell the toast, tea, and strawberry laden oatmeal wafting up from the vicinity of his lap. He gingerly felt for a spoon as the mediwitch bustled away. He managed to eat without making a mess. He could thank his years of teaching for his ability to do so. After all he spent all of his time at meals watching the students, looking for troublemakers and quelling any mischief from his own house. When was he supposed to look down at his plate in order to eat?
Once his tray was cleared away, Poppy allowed him to dress, but wouldn't allow him to leave until someone arrived to guide him to his quarters. The person assigned turned out to be Harry. Severus knew it the moment his feet shuffled into the wing.
"When ever you're ready to leave, Professor, let me know." Harry replied, resorting to the formal form of address in a very quiet, dejected voice.
"I'm ready now. Now hurry before Poppy returns and changes her mind." Severus snapped, more from desperation and the need to escape the sterile confines of the hospital wing than aggravation. He heard the younger wizard shuffle forward until he stood next to Severus and when the boy felt his hand rest on his should, Harry slowly walked off, leading Severus out of the Hospital Wing and down to the dungeons.
Harry didn't say a word and Severus could still feel the depression thrumming along their bond. He could hear the muffled whispers of the students as they made their way through the halls. He couldn't make out what the various groups were saying since there were so many clusters babbling through the hallways the echoes jumbled everything together. He felt his young guide stiffen as they made their way through the stone halls and guessed that they were mostly talking about Harry. Severus caught some malicious comments as they came closer to the dungeons. They made it to the entrance of his rooms without any of his Slytherins accosting them. Severus snarled the password to the silent portrait and allowed the younger man to lead him inside. He was led straight to his arm chair and when he told Harry that he didn't need anything the Gryffindor retreated into the once again newly attached room.
The next few days went quietly. He didn't hear much from Harry, who stayed in his room unless someone knocked on the door. The boy's emotions still didn't lessen; in fact they deepened to the point that caused Severus to become alarmed. Severus was visited by Albus and Minerva frequently and occasionally Sprout would come down to talk and give him updates on his students, which neither Albus nor Minerva bothered to do. While he couldn't do anything to save those caught by Harry's forces he would do his best to keep the rest safe if he could. Flitwick arrived a day after his release from the Infirmary with a curious device he invented. It allowed Severus to 'read' his journals and books without the intervention of another person. It was a cleverly charmed device and Severus was grateful for its use, though Flitwick refused any form of payment for the device or the time he took to created it. It relieved the potential boredom that threatened and prevented him from having to listen to Harry drone on in a monotone if he had asked the brat to read to him.
Unfortunately human nature made itself known. How could he know that the small amount of contact he had with his co-workers and students was something he'd miss? He was restless and despite the fact he couldn't see the walls around him he felt claustrophobic. He needed to get out.
"Potter!" Severus called out when the feeling drove him to his feet.
"Yes, Professor?" Harry responded, still with a dejected note to his voice.
"I need to leave these rooms. We're going for a walk."
"I just need to put my shoes on, sir." Harry replied and Severus listened to the light padding of his feet back into his room. Harry returned moments later with his shoes clicking on the small area of bare stone in his quarters. "I'm ready. Where would you like to go?"
"Anywhere that isn't in here." Severus responded and allowed himself to be led out of his rooms and the dungeons.
"Would you rather stay inside the castle or chance the grounds?" Harry asked quietly as they reached the empty, echoing space of the Entrance Hall.
"We'll stay inside. I'm leery of the outdoors at this time, nor should you be heading outside without an army at your side.
"Alright." Harry answered and went silent once again.
They walked up stairs and along the corridors of the various floors Harry led them through. Severus found the boy's silence unnerving when he was used to hearing the constant babble when they young wizard was with his friends. He mentally snarled at himself when he decided to break the silence.
"What have you been up to? I haven't heard a sound out of you when you aren't answering the door."
"Homework mostly. Research when time permits."
"What are you researching? Spells to remove the Dark Lord?"
"Earlier in the term I was working on that. Now I'm searching through those books Professor Flitwick and Hermione put aside believing they wouldn't hold the information they need to reverse that curse Voldemort used. I'm just making sure there wasn't anything useful in them when I'm not researching that bond we used." That was the most Severus heard out of the brat in over a week.
"Did you find anything of interest?" Severus hated making this petty small talk, but the lack of noise would have driven him insane. He pushed along their bond to see if he could find out what the pest was thinking. What he got was unexpected.
Severus' darkened would burst in light and shadows. He tried to look around, but realized that he wasn't in control. After a slight bit of panic he noticed that he seemed to be much shorter. It wasn't until he noticed the heavy black frames that he understood what had happened. He was looking through Harry's eyes.
"How?" He barked half heartedly.
"I've read over the bonding spells Hermione and I discarded and noticed they all mentioned looking through the other person's eyes. I thought it would be worth the effort to see if I could allow you to use mine until the male snake gets here, provided he doesn't kill his handler."
"You'd… Why? Why are you doing this?" Severus' emotions were whirling within him and he was completely confused when it came to the enigma standing slightly in front of him.
"Because I owe you, because I care. Do I need to list more?"
"Why do you care? You've hated me just as much as I hated you. Why the sudden change of heart?"
"It wasn't a recent development. My perception of you has changed since the summer of my fifth year. Why? I haven't a clue. I just know that what I feel about you isn't hate anymore."
Harry's voice was soft as he answered, but once he was done he returned to his silent guiding. Severus thought back to the day he first threw Harry out of his quarters. What did Harry do that made him react the way he did? It took another set of stairs and long corridor before he understood what his problem was. Harry had made the first move and was aggressive in his approach. Far too many poor choices on his part made him leery of those that come to him. The few encounters he's had in recent years were all initiated by him. Now the harder questions needed to be answered. Did he find Harry attractive? Yes. Did he want to make this more than a bonding of convenience? The answer to that question took longer to answer and the response surprised him. It was a definitive YES.
They slowly made their way towards a popular trysting spot among the seventh years and Severus stopped their forward motion as they reached the shadowy alcove.
"Would you consent to helping me teach?"
"You want me to play Seeing Eye dog?"
"Yes, I have the feeling that Seline's mate will be much too large to carry around."
"It's a possibility. What would I be doing about classes if I'm going to be aiding you?"
"We'll try and get the rest of the staff to tutor you after dinner. Have you thought about using a corrective potion for your eyesight?"
"There's a potion for that?" Harry replied in shocked amazement.
"No one's mentioned it to you? Not even Poppy?" Severus was shocked. Surely Albus would have mentioned it to him. Wearing those glasses was dangerous given the large target the boy had on his back.
"No, I didn't think there was. Percy wears glasses too and I thought that there wasn't a cure for that. Hermione's never mentioned it either and she's read almost everything."
"There is one, but it needs to be used immediately after brewing." Severus told the younger man and felt surprise radiating through the bond, which quickly turned into pleasure as the idea sunk into Harry's brain. "Do you want to take it?"
"Yes. Yes I think I would." Harry replied and the pleasure Severus felt through the bond was evident in his voice.
The sound sent a shiver up Severus' spine and his mind happily provided scenarios where those sounds could be reproduced. He had the perfect opportunity to repair what he shattered with his hang-ups and in a moment of rare impulsiveness he decided to leap.
"Check that alcove. I've caught quite a few of your year mates hiding in there." Harry turned to do as he asked while keeping the link that allowed him to see through the younger man's eyes active.
As Harry went into the alcove to make sure it was empty Severus slipped behind him silently so that the green-eyed wizard would bump into him. It also allowed the younger man no avenue of escape before Severus made his move. Harry turned to leave the alcove and bumped right into Severus. Through the young wizard's eyes Severus could see his face, slightly blurry, and feel the confusion of the wizard in front of him. Harry hesitated and Severus used that brief moment to fumble for and remove the thick rimmed glasses, making both men unable to see. Once he safely tucked Harry's glasses into a pocket Severus slowly reached up in search of the short man's face. The object of his search was found and he allowed his fingers to examine the planes of Harry's face. Satisfied with his explorations he tilted the face upwards and bent his own downwards. His aim was off, but he had an excuse and it didn't seem to bother Harry much. This time the slide of lips and tongue felt right to him, as did the sudden burst of happiness coming from Harry's end of the bond. Time slowed to nothing and his world narrowed only to the man he could no longer see. When he pulled away Harry buried his face against Severus' neck trembling with reaction. This time Severus wasn't going to let go.
Neither man noticed the lack of a serpent on the taller man's shoulders. They also didn't notice the small shadowy form that was watching from the edge of the alcove. The form moved away from the shadows it had hidden in and the shape resolved itself into that of a cat once it was in the lit hallway. The tabby stopped and with a pop became a woman of late years with square spectacles and a severe bun of slightly greying hair. Instead of the normally stern look that her students usually saw a bright and happy smile was on her face. She looked down at the snake that had coiled at her feet before bending to pick the creature up. As she strode down the hallway to the nearest stairs she could be heard speaking to reptile in her hands. "It's about bloody time!"