Fic: Bitten By Love, part 2
Jan. 11th, 2009 12:15 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alisanneTitle: Bitten by Love
Author:![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-userinfo.gif)
alisanne
Rating: NC-17
Word count: about 22,200 total
Pairings/characters: Bill Weasley/Neville Longbottom, Severus Snape/Harry Potter, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin, a hint of Charlie Weasley/Hermione Granger.
Summary: After Neville escapes the creatures who captured him, he needs a Hero, a Curse-Breaker, and a Potions master to help free him from a deadly curse. But when he discovers it has unexpectedly positive side effects, will he want it lifted?
Warnings: AU, EWE, mild angst.
Author's notes: Written for the 2008 [Bad username or site: harry_holidays fest. <lj user=unbroken_halo @ insanejournal.com] requested humor, flangst, romance, and a bit of silliness with some mention of magic theory and plot. I’m not sure if I covered her list but I did my best. Heartfelt thanks to my beta readerseeyore9990 and sevfan, and here’s hoping I gave Halo very Happy Harry Holidays!
~
“Harry!” Neville beamed as Harry walked in. “I was beginning to wonder if you lived here anymore. I haven’t seen you in days!”
Harry grinned as he sat down. “Sorry, late night and early mornings. I’ve been looking into finding someone to reverse the bite effects.” He leaned forward, tilting his head to look closely at Neville’s neck. “Is it any better?”
Neville shrugged. “Hermione says it’s stable; no better, no worse. Bill says my night time fits are the same as well. I feel as if I’m at a standstill, you know?”
Nodding, Harry placed his hand over Neville’s, clasping it. “I bet it’s frustrating.”
Exhaling loudly, Neville looked away. “Bill’s been working with me to break the curse so that I can identify where they were holding me,” he said softy. “But I can’t help but think that there must be something else I can do to help the other captives. I have no idea if anyone else escaped, and at this rate they’ll have enough time to turn them all into vampires to terrorize the countryside while I just sit here--”
“Stop that,” Harry said firmly. “Bill says you’re doing great and that’s what’s important. We’ve teams scouring Hogsmeade and its environs. We may yet find them.” He smiled. “And I have a lead on a person who may be able to help me get the vampire curse lifted.”
“Oh?” Neville smiled. “Who?”
“I don’t want to say in case I can’t get him to agree,” Harry replied.
Neville narrowed his eyes. “Why don’t I like the sound of that? Is it anyone I know?”
“Hullo, Harry.”
Relieved at the interruption, Harry released Neville’s hand and turned to face Bill. “Hey, Bill.”
Bill’s eyes appeared focussed on their joined hands, and Harry smiled inwardly. Well, well, well.
“Didn’t you say you were going out?” Bill asked a tad abruptly.
“I did and I am.” Harry stood up and walked towards the door. “Just wanted to see how Neville is doing. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
“Be careful,” Neville said.
Harry grinned. “Don’t worry. I always am.” As he passed by Bill, he whispered, “He’s all yours.”
Bill didn’t say a word, although he did flush.
As Harry walked out, he heard Neville ask, “What was that about?” He chuckled when he reached his bedroom and started to pack. It looked as if things were going very well for his friends. Now he had to hope thing went as well in his quest.
~
“What was that about?” Neville asked.
Bill shrugged. “Who knows?” he said, perching in the very spot Harry had. “You feeling all right?”
Neville smiled. “I’m fine. I think I can be allowed to walk around now.”
Bill shrugged. “That’s up to Hermione. She said she’d be by later. She’s concerned about the bleeding from your neck.” He looked down at Neville’s hand sitting on the coverlet. “So, are you and Harry are close?” he asked.
“Close enough, I guess,” Neville answered, brow furrowed. “Why?”
“No reason. It just seemed as if I interrupted something when I came in.”
“Interrupted?” Neville blinked, then smiled. “Between me and Harry, you mean? God, no.”
Neville reached out and took Bill’s hand, and Bill stared at their entwined fingers for a moment before looking up and into Neville’s eyes. “It’s fine if you two are--”
“We’re not.” Neville squeezed Bill’s fingers. “We’re friends, nothing more. I’ve always...” He looked away as if embarrassed, and Bill’s eyes narrowed.
“What?”
“Always been attracted to older men,” Neville admitted softly. “I get the impression that Harry is, too, not that we’ve ever come out and talked about that sort of thing in detail--”
Bill shook his head. “It’s not my business. You don’t have to--”
“Apparently I do,” Neville insisted. “And it is your business, at least I hope it will be. I don’t want there to be any confusion. I know you’re probably not ready for any sort of relationship. I don’t know if you remember, but I was at Fleur’s funeral. We spoke briefly.”
Bill nodded. “I recall.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. I know you loved her, likely still do, but we...” Neville swallowed and Bill watched his Adam’s apple move convulsively as he obviously searched for words. “We have something between us. There’s a connection, or something, and I would like to see where it goes.”
Bill’s head snapped up and he searched Neville’s eyes. “This could be the vampire bite influencing you, Neville. Are you even gay? You may not be thinking clearly--”
Neville shook his head. “I’m fine, but I shouldn’t have assumed that you’re gay.” He looked away. “I didn’t say that to put you on the spot. You don’t have to say anything. If I’m wrong and I’ve been misreading the signs, then I’m sorry, but if I’m right then I’d like to see where this could go.”
“You’re a very direct man,” Bill said ruefully.
Neville blushed. “I can be. I didn’t used to be, but after my seventh year at Hogwarts I decided that life was too short to not say what I mean. A lot of people died that year, and I found myself wondering if they’d had a chance to say their goodbyes, you know?”
Bill nodded. “I often wonder that about Fred,” he said.
Neville’s eyes widened. “Shit, I put my foot in it again, didn’t I?”
“Relax,” Bill soothed. “We’ve all had ample opportunity to talk to Fred since he haunts the Burrow now. Trust me, we’ve all said everything we needed to, but your philosophy is a sound one.” Leaning forward, Bill smiled as Neville’s breathing audibly hitched. “So, now that we’ve established that we’re both interested, what now?” he asked. His inner wolf was speaking so loudly that it was difficult to remember that Neville wasn’t his to claim. Yet. He sighed. It was too close to the full moon for him to fight this...whatever this was between them.
“We see where this goes,” Neville whispered.
Bill, his eyes roaming Neville’s face, licked his lips. “I know where I’d like it to go, although it may not be advisable given your condition--”
“Sod my condition,” Neville growled, dragging Bill against him. “I really think I need some exercise.”
“Are you sure...you’re not just...getting a bit of...cabin fever?” Bill gasped even as he peppered Neville’s jaw and throat with kisses and dragged his hands over the skin of Neville’s arms.
“I agree...that it’s...a fever,” Neville managed in between opened-mouthed snogs in which their mouths seemed intent on fusing together. “Nothing...to do with...cabins, though.”
Bill laughed breathily as he climbed onto the bed and straddled Neville’s hips while trying to maintain mouth contact. “Maybe we should slow down--”
“Want you,” Neville said, his fingers tangled in Bill’s hair. “Are we just going to talk or--?”
Bill growled, pushing his hips against Neville’s and smiling as he felt the corresponding hardness beneath the sheet. His wolf had sighted his prey; there would be no turning back now. “The only talking we’ll be doing is with our bodies,” he said, capturing Neville’s lips with his before he could reply. This was the first time he’d even wanted anyone since Fleur and he was bound and determined to enjoy it.
Neville apparently was, too. His hands were clutching Bill’s hips. He would have bruises in the morning. He found he didn’t mind. Wordlessly, he Banished their clothes, hissing as their skin touched.
“Yes,” Neville sighed, his thighs separated, and Bill moaned as their pricks slid together, sending sparks up Bill’s spine.
“Oh God,” he whispered as Neville undulated beneath him. The sensations as they both strove to get even closer intensified, aided by the slick pre-come which was steadily leaking from both of them, and when Neville threw his right leg over Bill’s hip, Bill lowered his head and lightly bit Neville’s shoulder.
That was apparently all that Neville needed. With a hoarse cry, he came, pulsing his release between them as he trembled through his orgasm.
His movements made easier by the addition of Neville’s seed, Bill sped up, frotting and panting until his balls drew up and he, too, came, spilling his essence onto their stomachs.
“Wow,” Neville gasped, his hand sliding up and down Bill’s back. He smiled. “Sorry I was so fast.”
Bill grinned down at him. “It’s not as if I was much slower,” he reminded him. Unable to resist, he pressed a kiss to Neville’s lips. Naturally, it turned carnal in about two seconds.
Pulling away, he buried his face in Neville’s neck. “I can’t seem to get enough of you,” he whispered, a surprised chuckle escaping when he felt Neville’s still half-hard cock twitch. “And it seems the feeling is mutual.”
Neville, his face flaming, said, “It’s hard to hide much when we’re this close,” he said.
“Does that mean you’re up for another go?” Bill asked, shifting.
“It seems so.” Neville wrapped his arms around Bill’s neck. “Seems a shame to stop now when things are going so well.”
Bill smiled. “I like the way you think,” he said. And then, there was no thinking at all.
~The University of Manchester was located in Manchester on Oxford Road, and as Harry peered up at the impressive set of buildings, he realised quickly that he would need directions, and soon. The place was enormous!
And very busy. Students and faculty all walked briskly as if with purpose, and with his obvious indecision about where he was going and what he was doing, Harry definitely stuck out like a sore thumb. At least he’d ditched his robes for more traditional Muggle wear, and his jeans did help him fit in a bit more.
He located the Department of Chemistry eventually. A gangly girl had finally taken pity on him and helped him by walking him there herself. As he looked down the list of faculty, a name caught his eye. “Do you know where his office is located?” he asked, pointing.
Five minutes later they were standing in front of a laboratory. “Here you go,” she said. “Professor Prince can be, um, testy at times, but he’s a very good chemist.”
Harry smiled. “Yes, I imagine he is,” he said. “Thanks.”
With a nod, the girl left and Harry eyed the door warily. There were so many different ways Snape could greet him that he wasn’t sure how this would go. Looking around to check that no one was watching, he slipped his wand out of his pocket, making it as accessible as possible.
Exhaling, he knocked.
“Yes?”
Harry sucked in a breath. It sounded like him... Carefully, he turned the doorknob and stepped inside.
The laboratory was well lit both by bright overhead lights and by sunlight streaming in through large windows that faced green, rolling hills. Every table was covered with papers, books and glass beakers.
“Took you long enough.” A tall man with his back to the door was fiddling with some complicated-looking equipment. His black hair was streaked with grey, and his stance looked achingly familiar. “Just leave the reagent on the table, and put it down carefully, Morton; last time you spilled some.”
“I’m afraid I’m not Morton,” Harry said, bracing for an explosion.
It never came. The back straightened up and Harry could see a long-fingered hand shaking before it was snatched back. “Potter?”
“Professor.”
“I thought you would find me eventually.” Snape turned his head and Harry saw that unforgettable profile. “It took longer than I thought it would. Are you here to arrest me? Am I the last of the outstanding Death Eaters you need to apprehend?”
“I’m not here to arrest you,” Harry said, shaking his head. “Actually, we need your help.”
“We?” Snape had spun around and was glaring at Harry as if the intervening seven years hadn’t happened. How Snape could still make him feel like an errant schoolboy all these years later was beyond him.
“The Ministry for Magic,” Harry said. “I realise I’m not dressed the part, but I’m now an Auror.”
Snape raised an eyebrow and shot him a look that said, ‘And what does this have to do with me?’ They stared at each other in silence for a moment.
“You’re not a fugitive,” Harry continued doggedly when it became apparent that Snape wouldn’t be the first to speak. “You were pardoned, actually.”
“Indeed. How magnanimous. Well, such things do happen posthumously, I suppose.” Snape sneered. “I imagine now that the entire wizarding world is aware that I survived, I shall be inundated with Howlers.”
“I haven’t told anyone,” Harry admitted. “I wasn’t sure it was going to be you. This could have been just a dead end, which is why I decided to check it out on my own.”
“You set off after a war criminal on your own without backup?” Snape rolled his eyes. “How have you survived this long, Potter?”
“I doubt you’re about to hurt me,” Harry said. “Not after all the trouble you went to trying to save me.”
“Perhaps not.” Snape pursed his lips. “That doesn’t explain why I should assist you, however.”
“We have a...problem.”
“Oh? Is there a new Dark wizard?” Snape pulled out his wand and waved it, the papers on his desk settling themselves into neat stacks.
“Vampires,” Harry said.
“Nasty.” Snape smirked. “You ought to do something about that.”
“A nest attacked Hogsmeade and took several of the inhabitants captive.”
Snape made a non-committal sound.
“One person escaped, but he can’t tell us where the nest is, and until he does, innocent people will continue to be tortured. If we don’t find them, they’ll likely be murdered and turned.”
Snape shrugged. “Use Legilimency.”
“I did. It didn’t work.”
“Has someone competent tried?” Snape sneered.
Harry closed his eyes and counted to ten. Slowly. “As I said, it didn’t work. We need to counteract the effects of the bite,” he said, reminding himself to stick to his goal. I can’t let him distract me. “The creature bit him twice.”
Snape shrugged. “Then he is enthralled. There’s not much to do but hope he’s strong enough to fight it.”
“He is fighting it.” Harry frowned as Snape lit a burner with a muttered Incendio. “I didn’t think you’d use magic so openly in the Muggle world.”
“There’s no one else here and it’s hardly likely to shock you, is it?” Snape said, levitating one beaker off the lit Bunsen burner and setting it onto the counter before replacing it with another. “And you have not answered my original question. Why should I assist you?”
“Because we really need a Potions master, and there aren’t very many of them around.”
“To deal with vampires?” Snape smirked. “What are they teaching in Auror school, Potter? All you need to deal with vampires are some wooden stakes, crucifixes and holy water.”
“It’s my understanding that years ago you developed a potion to reverse the effects of creature bites,” Harry said, keeping careful hold on his temper.
Snape’s head snapped up and his eyes narrowed. “You’ve been talking to Lupin?”
Guardedly, Harry nodded. “Sort of. Anyway, we need you to make some more of that potion.”
“Then you do have a problem,” Snape muttered. “I am no longer brewing.” He crossed his arms. “I thought Lupin died in the war.”
“Most people thought you died in the war,” Harry replied. “Clearly they were wrong.”
“So Lupin survived?”
“No.” Harry ran a hand through his hair. “So, will you or will you not come back with me?”
“Why should I?” Snape gestured around him. “I’m doing important work here. I am appreciated for my superior intellect. There is nothing back there for me.” He leaned against the counter. “So, how did you speak with Lupin if he’s dead, Auror Potter?”
Harry looked away. How did this man manage to make him feel eleven years old all the time? “I used the Resurrection Stone,” he said.
“You what?” Snape rolled his eyes. “You used a Deathly Hallow to have a casual chat with a dead man? You are truly an idiot!”
“It wasn’t a casual chat!” Harry growled. He blinked when Snape smirked, then took a deep breath. “I was searching for someone to help me with Dark creatures and he came,” Harry continued more calmly. “When they arrived, they told me that you weren’t dead, which was why I decided to look for you. After that it was basic tracking.”
“They?” Snape asked. “Lupin and--?”
“My godfather.” Harry crossed his arms. “Look, are you going to help me or not?”
“Lupin and Black are still involved, even in the afterlife?” Snape laughed bitterly. “Dear God. Gryffindor sentimentality knows no bounds, does it?”
“Why are you so upset?” Harry snapped. “Depressed because you no longer get to spy on them as they shag?”
A dull flush suffused Snape’s face as the words hung in the air between them. “Get out,” he growled.
Harry was cursing himself mentally as he stepped forward. He held up his hand in the universal signal for ‘please don’t hurt me’. “Wait! Just--”
“I said get OUT!”
“Snape, please--”
“I’ll not say it again, Potter,” Snape said coldly. Turning away, he began fussing with something on the counter behind him. “This discussion is over.”
After staring for a moment at Snape’s unyielding back, Harry sighed and started for the door. Maybe if I come back later he’ll be more receptive... As he placed his hand on the door, Harry said, “I’ll be back.”
He smiled when, as the door was about to close, he heard Snape say, “Yes, I imagine you will, Merlin help me.”
~
The door opened at two forty-seven and Severus sighed. “Returned for more punishment, have you?”
“Are you mad? After six years of school with you as my professor, this is nothing,” Potter replied, amusement lacing his voice.
Severus raised an eyebrow. It had taken several minutes of pushing to get Potter to lose his temper earlier. Perhaps the boy has learned something over the years. As he turned to face Potter, however, Severus was again forcibly reminded that he was definitely no longer a boy.
No, this Potter was a man; a broad-shouldered, slim-hipped man, and yet, still with that outrageous hair and his mother’s eyes. “Was my answer earlier not clear enough?”
“Professor, we really need your help. Surely there’s something you need that we can negotiate.”
Severus leaned back against the counter, hoping Potter wouldn’t see how much he needed its support. Even though he’d recovered a lot of his function since Nagini’s bite, he still suffered from bouts of irritating and inexplicable muscular spasms that meant he was likely to fall if he wasn’t near something solid to hold him up. Since he spent most of his time in his laboratory he hardly ever noticed, but he certainly didn’t want Potter knowing about it.
“I have all I need,” he said.
“Except the respect of the wizarding world,” Potter said.
“I hardly need that since I am no longer in it.”
“But you want to come back, don’t you?” Potter had the gall to smile. “You use magic in secret, what else do you hide from the Muggles?”
“Your point?”
“You’re a wizard, Professor.” Potter chewed his lower lip for a moment, and Severus was reminded of the seventeen-year-old who’d faced Voldemort not knowing if he would live through it. “How can you be happy hiding who you are?”
“I have grown accustomed to it,” Severus said dryly. “It comes from a lifetime of persecution, and that’s even discounting my homosexuality.”
Potter coloured and Severus waited for the snide comment concerning his sexuality. But it never came. “Sorry about what I said yesterday,” Potter said clearly. “It wasn’t any sort of condemnation. How could I criticize you for that? I...I’m gay, too. It’s just frustrating because I know you could help us and so many could benefit from your work that--”
“Spare me the flattery,” Severus interrupted. Potter was a homosexual? Crossing his arms, he considered the man facing him for a long moment. “I suppose there is one thing I should like,” he finally said.
“What’s that?” Potter looked wary.
Severus held Potter’s gaze. “I should like to use the Resurrection Stone. Privately.”
Potter’s mouth opened in shock before he collected himself. “You...but why? Who do you want to talk to?”
“That is my business,” Severus said. “That is my condition. Take it or--”
“All right.” Potter spoke quickly, a thoughtful look on his face.
Severus narrowed his eyes. “You agree?”
Potter nodded. “Yes, I agree. If you come back with me and help us to reverse the vampire curse on Nev--on the victims, you can use the Resurrection Stone.”
“Longbottom?” Severus asked. “He’s the victim? And he hasn’t succumbed yet? It appears the boy grew a backbone.”
A bright red flush enveloped Potter’s face. “He’s always had a backbone,” he gritted out, looking as if he were about to hex Severus. Severus smiled.
“Indeed. He did develop into quite the activist in the year you were off gallivanting across the countryside.”
“Professor, before we go any further I’d like to apologize for leaving you for dead. If we’d known--”
Severus held up a hand. “You thought exactly what you were meant to, Mr. Potter. You need have no regrets on my account. Now, tell me about Longbottom. Why do you think he hasn’t succumbed? Latent courage?”
“He killed Nagini,” Potter blurted out.
Severus’ eyes widened before he looked away. A surge of pride filled him before he quashed it. “Is that so? Then perhaps I do owe him a debt.” Pulling out his wand, he flicked it in the direction of his already packed and shrunken trunks.
“You’re all packed?” Potter grinned. “I guess you were pretty confident of what my answer would be, hm?”
“The basis of any negotiation is knowing one’s opponent, Potter.”
Potter tilted his head. “Maybe one of these days we won’t be opponents anymore,” he said.
Severus didn’t deign to reply to that, he simply gestured towards the door. “After you.” Gritting his teeth, he strode towards the exit, exerting every effort to not reveal his muscular weakness.
“Shouldn’t you tell someone you’re leaving?” Potter asked as he shut the laboratory door.
“My assistant is already aware that I shall be away for a few days, as is the Chairman of the department,” Severus said. “They shan’t be expecting me back for a while.”
Potter nodded. “Right. Well, can you make it to the edge of the university grounds to Apparate or should I Side-Along with you here?”
So much for concealing my infirmities. “I do not require your assistance,” Severus snapped. “Since you appear aware of my residual injuries, I shall say this once. I am not handicapped in any way that requires your coddling; I can do anything that you can.”
Potter raised an eyebrow. “You have injuries?” he asked, looking Severus up and down. “I hadn’t noticed, actually. I asked because we’re going to Grimmauld Place and since it’s still under a Fidelius Charm and I’m the Secret-Keeper, I’ll need to bring you or write down the address for you.”
Severus silently cursed his loose tongue. “I see. In that case I suppose it is easier for you to Apparate both of us.”
“Good idea,” Potter murmured. “Is there somewhere close and private--?”
Severus inclined his head. “An empty classroom over here,” he said, allowing himself to limp since he was no longer fooling anyone. To his surprise, Potter automatically slowed his own pace without comment, although Severus could imagine it would be difficult given his long legs. And why am I even noticing his legs?
Since it was afternoon, the place was deserted, and after quickly looking around, Severus nodded for Potter to proceed. Stepping close, Potter placed his hand on Severus’ arm. Severus tried not to notice the tingle that went through him at the contact, and as the rush of Apparation engulfed him, he closed his eyes and tried to tamp down the feeling that he was finally going home.
~
Neville shivered involuntarily as Bill’s hand trailed down his back. “Don’t tell me you’re ticklish,” Bill whispered, his hand tracing obscure patterns on Neville’s skin.
“All right,” Neville replied, an irrepressible smile on his face. “I won’t tell you.”
Bill shook his head. “Don’t force me to find out the hard way,” he threatened, his hand lingering on the curve of Neville’s bare arse.
“Maybe I just need to distract you,” Neville said, pressing close to Bill and kissing him. Their lips clung for a moment before they pulled apart.
“If I get any more distracted, I won’t be able to walk,” Bill murmured back. “You dohave a lot of stamina.”
Neville could feel himself blushing. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” he said. “I’ve never...I mean, I’m not usually like this.”
“Like what?”
“This...insatiable.” Neville looked away.
“It could be an effect of the bite,” Bill whispered, his hand coming up to touch the bandage on Neville’s neck. “Vampires are supposed to have a lot of stamina.” Neville sighed and Bill leaned forward, nuzzling his jaw. “Or it could just be that I’m inspiring,” he continued, grinning.
Neville smiled back. “You are,” he said. “Very.”
Bill sat back with a visible effort. “Speaking of the bite, the wound isn’t bleeding again, even though we were pretty strenuous that last round, so I think that means your immune system is reasserting itself. That’s what Hermione said could happen, remember? If the effects of the bite began to fade.”
“So maybe I’ll heal myself?” Neville looked up into Bill’s eyes. “Maybe I won’t need a potion?”
“If Harry manages to find someone who can give you a potion to reverse the effects of the vampire bite, would you say no?”
Neville shook his head. “Not even if it meant I’d revert back to having a normal sex drive,” he joked. It came out sounding plaintive, however.
Bill pursed his lips. “There’s nothing wrong with a normal sex drive,” he said quietly.
As Neville opened his mouth to reply, an Apparation crack sounded and he could hear footsteps. “Bloody hell! I guess Harry’s back,” he said.
Bill smiled. “And?”
“And we’re both naked in bed together!”
“If I read Harry right, he’ll be thrilled,” Bill murmured.
Neville blinked. “What? But--” Just then, the door was flung open.
“Neville! Bill! I found someone who can help--”
Nervous laugher bubbled up in Neville’s throat at the gobsmacked look on Harry’s face. What a picture we must make! But when a familiar pair of black eyes peered over Harry’s shoulder, Neville blanched. “Headmaster S...Snape?” he stuttered.
Bill, however, didn’t seem put off at all. “Hullo, Harry.” His eyes flicked to Snape and he smiled. “Snape. I guess the rumours of your death have been greatly exaggerated.”
As Snape took in the scene with apparent equanimity, Neville cringed. The two of them tangled together under thin sheets was not how he wanted to be found by anyone, much less Snape. Neville said a quick and silent prayer of thanks that they had pulled the sheet up over their bodies minutes before. His eyes flicked to Harry, and he was surprised to see an almost envious look on his face. When he saw Neville was staring at him, however, he smiled reassuringly, his face clearing.
“Mr. Longbottom,” Snape said, stepping around Harry and entering the room fully. “I understand you’ve been bitten twice by a vampire.”
Neville nodded in what he hoped was a calm way. It wasn’t every day one had a dead man walk into one’s bedroom, after all. Especially when one was clearly in a compromising position with another man.
Snape’s eyes narrowed in concentration. “Mr. Potter tells me that you still have a non-healing wound left by the creature,” he said.
“It’s on his neck,” Bill said, moving Neville’s head so that Snape could see it. “Hermione put a Stasis Spell and this bandage on and they’ve held so far, although the wound does bleed periodically.”
Snape was now so close that Neville could smell the faint tang of bitter herbs that had always seemed to linger about him when he’d been Potions professor. Neville held his breath as Snape examined him, exhaling slightly when he moved away.
“Granger did an adequate job,” Snape finally announced. “The most important thing now, however, is that you need to get this bond severed. I am not sure if it’s possible; it depends on how deeply the creature got its fangs into you.”
“It bit me twice,” Neville said. “I think it was over the course of two or three nights but I can’t be exactly sure. I lost track of time.”
“Indeed,” Snape said. “Not surprising, given the circumstances Mr. Potter tells me you had to endure.”
Neville blinked in surprise. Snape had almost sounded admiring, but surely that couldn’t be...
“Although that does not surprise me, given the depth of character you displayed during your seventh year under my tutelage,” Snape continued, much to Neville’s shock.
“I, um, what?” he said.
Snape smirked. “It appears your level of eloquence remains much the same, however.” He walked towards the door. “I shall get started on the potion immediately. Potter tells me that he has adequate brewing facilities here. I shall reserve judgement on that for the moment.” He pursed his lips. “I have some experience with creature bites, albeit mostly with werewolves. I imagine, however, that some similar principles apply.”
Bill had been stroking Neville’s bare back for some time and it had been a distraction, but at that statement, Neville perked up. “So you’ll be able to reverse some of the effects of the bite?” he asked.
“What effects are you experiencing?” Snape asked.
“Nightmares, sleep spell casting, extra, um, stamina--” Neville blushed.
Snape’s eyes glittered; whether with amusement or not Neville had no idea. “Indeed. Well, the nightmares are likely induced by the creature attempting to re-establish its hold on you. The stamina...” Snape raised an eyebrow, “...are you sure that’s not something you’d rather keep?”
“I’ll show you where the lab is,” Harry said as Neville blushed furiously and Bill chuckled softly.
Snape nodded, and just as he reached the door, he paused. “Oh, and gentlemen?”
Neville looked up at him inquiringly, noting that Bill was doing the same.
Snape smiled wickedly. “The next time you decide to indulge in private activity, may I suggest you lock the door?”
He swept from the room, Harry following immediately after him. Before he left, though, Harry winked.
Bill was shaking with laughter and once Harry was gone, he leaned his head against Neville’s shoulder. “Well he’s certainly mellowed,” he chuckled. As Neville stared disbelievingly at him, Bill laughed all the harder. “Hey, at least he didn’t critique our physiques,” he said. “It could have been worse.”
Neville exhaled. “Give him time,” he muttered gloomily.
Bill simply smiled and began nibbling at Neville’s shoulder.
Neville’s breath hitched and he moaned. “We really shouldn’t,” he argued half-heartedly as Bill’s caresses grew bolder.
“Do you really care what he thinks?” Bill whispered.
“Not really,” Neville replied, his eyes fluttering closed as Bill lightly sucked his Adam’s apple.
“Good,” Bill said, his lips now skimming Neville’s jaw. “I’ll continue my distraction then, shall I?”
“Please,” Neville sighed, reaching up to pull Bill on top of him, and as Bill continued his excellent distraction techniques, Neville vowed to find out what had caused the odd look he’d spotted on Harry’s face earlier. Then all such considerations left his mind under the onslaught of Bill’s mouth and hands and body.
~
“Harry?”
Harry looked up from the parchments spread out in front of him, smiling in welcome when he saw who was there. “Hermione. I didn’t hear you arrive.”
“Probably because you’re distracted,” she said, walking into the study and closing the door behind her.
He made a face. “You think?” he asked dryly.
Hermione grinned. “Just a feeling. I have my perceptive moments.”
“Can you blame me?” Harry grimaced. “I think anyone would be distracted under the circumstances.”
“I never told you this,” she confided, “but I always had a feeling that Snape was still alive somewhere.”
Harry raised an eyebrow. “And you never said?”
She shrugged. “It’s hard to justify a manhunt based on a feeling, especially as I had no facts to base that feeling on.”
“Why did you think he was alive?”
“Snape always struck me as too much of a survivor to have succumbed to something as, well, predictable as a snake bite, especially since he knew that’s what happened to Arthur.” Hermione sighed. “Plus, he’s a Potions master. I can’t see him not having a bezoar and some anti-venom on him at all times.”
Harry nodded. “Yeah, but didn’t you get the feeling there at the end that he wanted to die? That it was his way of atoning or something?”
“Apparently not,” she said. “I, for one, am glad he survived.”
“Yeah...” Harry glanced down at his copy of the Prophet with its headline that was declaring War Hero Severus Snape is Alive and Returns to Aid Ministry in Time of Need! He flipped it over. “The media reaction has surprised me, though. I thought there would be outrage, and here everyone is welcoming him back.”
Hermione sat down and looked at Harry pointedly. “Arranging that took some work, I’ll have you know.”
“Oh?” Harry leaned back. “Why am I surprised? So what did you do?”
“I just sent a few owls out to certain people when I realised Snape was alive.” She smiled. “Have you forgotten that Lavender was promoted recently?”
“And?”
“And she took over Skeeter’s column. Seems like a natural fit, doesn’t it?”
“You’re friends with her?”
Hermione grinned. “She’s friends with me,” she clarified. “I think she saw the advantage of cultivating a friendship now that she’s marrying into a family I’m close to.”
“Speaking of close...” Harry began.
Hermione held up a hand. “Harry! I’m not going to talk about Charlie, no matter how many times you ask. At least not until you’re prepared to talk about your love life.”
“What love life?”
She smiled. “The one I suspect you’re about to have. Speaking of Snape, how are things going?”
“I thought we were talking about my lack of a love life.”
“Mm.” She chuckled. “We’re talking about a lot of things right now. Whatever connection you choose to draw is up to you.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Snape is his usual exasperating, irascible, infuriating self, although I don’t think I appreciated until now what a dry sense of humour he has.”
Hermione nodded. “It is hard for students to appreciate their professors as regular people. Has he seen the paper?”
“I don’t know if he’s seen the latest article yet. He doesn’t seem the type to enjoy notoriety.” Harry pinched his nose. “He’s working hard on the potion for Neville, at least.”
“And it seems to be having a effect,” Hermione said. “His wound is definitely improving. He did give you an idea of where the captives were being held, right?”
Harry nodded. “Yes, although, unfortunately, they’d already been moved. We’re still trying to track them.”
“Shame.” Hermione murmured. “Yet that’s all due to Snape. Say what you will, but he really is brilliant.”
“Yeah, he is.” Harry sighed. “Although I did have one moment of vindication, though.”
“Oh?”
Harry grinned. “He tried his ‘superior’ Legilimency skills on Neville because he didn’t believe I had been thorough enough, and he didn’t get anywhere.”
Hermione shook her head. “I’m so glad you’re both being adults about this.”
“Well I’m being an adult,” Harry muttered.
“Uh huh.”
“I am!”
“Right. Anyway, speaking of potions--” Hermione reached into her robes and pulled out a vial. “That’s for Snape.”
“What is it?” Harry asked, picking it up and looking at it.
“He’s suffered a lot of nerve damage. It’s a new Nerve-Repair Potion I’ve developed. It may help his gait.” Standing up, she leaned over the desk. “I have to go, but I think you and Snape need to talk. I suspect you have unfinished business.”
“He doesn’t want to talk to me,” Harry said. “I think he’s avoiding me.”
“Or you’ve been avoiding each other.” Hermione rolled her eyes. “Honestly, the two of you are acting like infants! Talk to him or I’ll talk to him for you!”
Harry held up a hand. “All right! God, you’re bossy.”
“And you love it,” she said, walking towards the door. “Do it soon, Harry. You never know when I’ll decide to intervene.”
She narrowly missed the wad of parchment he threw at her.
~
Continued in part 3
Author:
alisanneRating: NC-17
Word count: about 22,200 total
Pairings/characters: Bill Weasley/Neville Longbottom, Severus Snape/Harry Potter, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin, a hint of Charlie Weasley/Hermione Granger.
Summary: After Neville escapes the creatures who captured him, he needs a Hero, a Curse-Breaker, and a Potions master to help free him from a deadly curse. But when he discovers it has unexpectedly positive side effects, will he want it lifted?
Warnings: AU, EWE, mild angst.
Author's notes: Written for the 2008 [Bad username or site: harry_holidays fest. <lj user=unbroken_halo @ insanejournal.com] requested humor, flangst, romance, and a bit of silliness with some mention of magic theory and plot. I’m not sure if I covered her list but I did my best. Heartfelt thanks to my beta readers
eeyore9990 and sevfan, and here’s hoping I gave Halo very Happy Harry Holidays!~
“Harry!” Neville beamed as Harry walked in. “I was beginning to wonder if you lived here anymore. I haven’t seen you in days!”
Harry grinned as he sat down. “Sorry, late night and early mornings. I’ve been looking into finding someone to reverse the bite effects.” He leaned forward, tilting his head to look closely at Neville’s neck. “Is it any better?”
Neville shrugged. “Hermione says it’s stable; no better, no worse. Bill says my night time fits are the same as well. I feel as if I’m at a standstill, you know?”
Nodding, Harry placed his hand over Neville’s, clasping it. “I bet it’s frustrating.”
Exhaling loudly, Neville looked away. “Bill’s been working with me to break the curse so that I can identify where they were holding me,” he said softy. “But I can’t help but think that there must be something else I can do to help the other captives. I have no idea if anyone else escaped, and at this rate they’ll have enough time to turn them all into vampires to terrorize the countryside while I just sit here--”
“Stop that,” Harry said firmly. “Bill says you’re doing great and that’s what’s important. We’ve teams scouring Hogsmeade and its environs. We may yet find them.” He smiled. “And I have a lead on a person who may be able to help me get the vampire curse lifted.”
“Oh?” Neville smiled. “Who?”
“I don’t want to say in case I can’t get him to agree,” Harry replied.
Neville narrowed his eyes. “Why don’t I like the sound of that? Is it anyone I know?”
“Hullo, Harry.”
Relieved at the interruption, Harry released Neville’s hand and turned to face Bill. “Hey, Bill.”
Bill’s eyes appeared focussed on their joined hands, and Harry smiled inwardly. Well, well, well.
“Didn’t you say you were going out?” Bill asked a tad abruptly.
“I did and I am.” Harry stood up and walked towards the door. “Just wanted to see how Neville is doing. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
“Be careful,” Neville said.
Harry grinned. “Don’t worry. I always am.” As he passed by Bill, he whispered, “He’s all yours.”
Bill didn’t say a word, although he did flush.
As Harry walked out, he heard Neville ask, “What was that about?” He chuckled when he reached his bedroom and started to pack. It looked as if things were going very well for his friends. Now he had to hope thing went as well in his quest.
~
“What was that about?” Neville asked.
Bill shrugged. “Who knows?” he said, perching in the very spot Harry had. “You feeling all right?”
Neville smiled. “I’m fine. I think I can be allowed to walk around now.”
Bill shrugged. “That’s up to Hermione. She said she’d be by later. She’s concerned about the bleeding from your neck.” He looked down at Neville’s hand sitting on the coverlet. “So, are you and Harry are close?” he asked.
“Close enough, I guess,” Neville answered, brow furrowed. “Why?”
“No reason. It just seemed as if I interrupted something when I came in.”
“Interrupted?” Neville blinked, then smiled. “Between me and Harry, you mean? God, no.”
Neville reached out and took Bill’s hand, and Bill stared at their entwined fingers for a moment before looking up and into Neville’s eyes. “It’s fine if you two are--”
“We’re not.” Neville squeezed Bill’s fingers. “We’re friends, nothing more. I’ve always...” He looked away as if embarrassed, and Bill’s eyes narrowed.
“What?”
“Always been attracted to older men,” Neville admitted softly. “I get the impression that Harry is, too, not that we’ve ever come out and talked about that sort of thing in detail--”
Bill shook his head. “It’s not my business. You don’t have to--”
“Apparently I do,” Neville insisted. “And it is your business, at least I hope it will be. I don’t want there to be any confusion. I know you’re probably not ready for any sort of relationship. I don’t know if you remember, but I was at Fleur’s funeral. We spoke briefly.”
Bill nodded. “I recall.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. I know you loved her, likely still do, but we...” Neville swallowed and Bill watched his Adam’s apple move convulsively as he obviously searched for words. “We have something between us. There’s a connection, or something, and I would like to see where it goes.”
Bill’s head snapped up and he searched Neville’s eyes. “This could be the vampire bite influencing you, Neville. Are you even gay? You may not be thinking clearly--”
Neville shook his head. “I’m fine, but I shouldn’t have assumed that you’re gay.” He looked away. “I didn’t say that to put you on the spot. You don’t have to say anything. If I’m wrong and I’ve been misreading the signs, then I’m sorry, but if I’m right then I’d like to see where this could go.”
“You’re a very direct man,” Bill said ruefully.
Neville blushed. “I can be. I didn’t used to be, but after my seventh year at Hogwarts I decided that life was too short to not say what I mean. A lot of people died that year, and I found myself wondering if they’d had a chance to say their goodbyes, you know?”
Bill nodded. “I often wonder that about Fred,” he said.
Neville’s eyes widened. “Shit, I put my foot in it again, didn’t I?”
“Relax,” Bill soothed. “We’ve all had ample opportunity to talk to Fred since he haunts the Burrow now. Trust me, we’ve all said everything we needed to, but your philosophy is a sound one.” Leaning forward, Bill smiled as Neville’s breathing audibly hitched. “So, now that we’ve established that we’re both interested, what now?” he asked. His inner wolf was speaking so loudly that it was difficult to remember that Neville wasn’t his to claim. Yet. He sighed. It was too close to the full moon for him to fight this...whatever this was between them.
“We see where this goes,” Neville whispered.
Bill, his eyes roaming Neville’s face, licked his lips. “I know where I’d like it to go, although it may not be advisable given your condition--”
“Sod my condition,” Neville growled, dragging Bill against him. “I really think I need some exercise.”
“Are you sure...you’re not just...getting a bit of...cabin fever?” Bill gasped even as he peppered Neville’s jaw and throat with kisses and dragged his hands over the skin of Neville’s arms.
“I agree...that it’s...a fever,” Neville managed in between opened-mouthed snogs in which their mouths seemed intent on fusing together. “Nothing...to do with...cabins, though.”
Bill laughed breathily as he climbed onto the bed and straddled Neville’s hips while trying to maintain mouth contact. “Maybe we should slow down--”
“Want you,” Neville said, his fingers tangled in Bill’s hair. “Are we just going to talk or--?”
Bill growled, pushing his hips against Neville’s and smiling as he felt the corresponding hardness beneath the sheet. His wolf had sighted his prey; there would be no turning back now. “The only talking we’ll be doing is with our bodies,” he said, capturing Neville’s lips with his before he could reply. This was the first time he’d even wanted anyone since Fleur and he was bound and determined to enjoy it.
Neville apparently was, too. His hands were clutching Bill’s hips. He would have bruises in the morning. He found he didn’t mind. Wordlessly, he Banished their clothes, hissing as their skin touched.
“Yes,” Neville sighed, his thighs separated, and Bill moaned as their pricks slid together, sending sparks up Bill’s spine.
“Oh God,” he whispered as Neville undulated beneath him. The sensations as they both strove to get even closer intensified, aided by the slick pre-come which was steadily leaking from both of them, and when Neville threw his right leg over Bill’s hip, Bill lowered his head and lightly bit Neville’s shoulder.
That was apparently all that Neville needed. With a hoarse cry, he came, pulsing his release between them as he trembled through his orgasm.
His movements made easier by the addition of Neville’s seed, Bill sped up, frotting and panting until his balls drew up and he, too, came, spilling his essence onto their stomachs.
“Wow,” Neville gasped, his hand sliding up and down Bill’s back. He smiled. “Sorry I was so fast.”
Bill grinned down at him. “It’s not as if I was much slower,” he reminded him. Unable to resist, he pressed a kiss to Neville’s lips. Naturally, it turned carnal in about two seconds.
Pulling away, he buried his face in Neville’s neck. “I can’t seem to get enough of you,” he whispered, a surprised chuckle escaping when he felt Neville’s still half-hard cock twitch. “And it seems the feeling is mutual.”
Neville, his face flaming, said, “It’s hard to hide much when we’re this close,” he said.
“Does that mean you’re up for another go?” Bill asked, shifting.
“It seems so.” Neville wrapped his arms around Bill’s neck. “Seems a shame to stop now when things are going so well.”
Bill smiled. “I like the way you think,” he said. And then, there was no thinking at all.
~The University of Manchester was located in Manchester on Oxford Road, and as Harry peered up at the impressive set of buildings, he realised quickly that he would need directions, and soon. The place was enormous!
And very busy. Students and faculty all walked briskly as if with purpose, and with his obvious indecision about where he was going and what he was doing, Harry definitely stuck out like a sore thumb. At least he’d ditched his robes for more traditional Muggle wear, and his jeans did help him fit in a bit more.
He located the Department of Chemistry eventually. A gangly girl had finally taken pity on him and helped him by walking him there herself. As he looked down the list of faculty, a name caught his eye. “Do you know where his office is located?” he asked, pointing.
Five minutes later they were standing in front of a laboratory. “Here you go,” she said. “Professor Prince can be, um, testy at times, but he’s a very good chemist.”
Harry smiled. “Yes, I imagine he is,” he said. “Thanks.”
With a nod, the girl left and Harry eyed the door warily. There were so many different ways Snape could greet him that he wasn’t sure how this would go. Looking around to check that no one was watching, he slipped his wand out of his pocket, making it as accessible as possible.
Exhaling, he knocked.
“Yes?”
Harry sucked in a breath. It sounded like him... Carefully, he turned the doorknob and stepped inside.
The laboratory was well lit both by bright overhead lights and by sunlight streaming in through large windows that faced green, rolling hills. Every table was covered with papers, books and glass beakers.
“Took you long enough.” A tall man with his back to the door was fiddling with some complicated-looking equipment. His black hair was streaked with grey, and his stance looked achingly familiar. “Just leave the reagent on the table, and put it down carefully, Morton; last time you spilled some.”
“I’m afraid I’m not Morton,” Harry said, bracing for an explosion.
It never came. The back straightened up and Harry could see a long-fingered hand shaking before it was snatched back. “Potter?”
“Professor.”
“I thought you would find me eventually.” Snape turned his head and Harry saw that unforgettable profile. “It took longer than I thought it would. Are you here to arrest me? Am I the last of the outstanding Death Eaters you need to apprehend?”
“I’m not here to arrest you,” Harry said, shaking his head. “Actually, we need your help.”
“We?” Snape had spun around and was glaring at Harry as if the intervening seven years hadn’t happened. How Snape could still make him feel like an errant schoolboy all these years later was beyond him.
“The Ministry for Magic,” Harry said. “I realise I’m not dressed the part, but I’m now an Auror.”
Snape raised an eyebrow and shot him a look that said, ‘And what does this have to do with me?’ They stared at each other in silence for a moment.
“You’re not a fugitive,” Harry continued doggedly when it became apparent that Snape wouldn’t be the first to speak. “You were pardoned, actually.”
“Indeed. How magnanimous. Well, such things do happen posthumously, I suppose.” Snape sneered. “I imagine now that the entire wizarding world is aware that I survived, I shall be inundated with Howlers.”
“I haven’t told anyone,” Harry admitted. “I wasn’t sure it was going to be you. This could have been just a dead end, which is why I decided to check it out on my own.”
“You set off after a war criminal on your own without backup?” Snape rolled his eyes. “How have you survived this long, Potter?”
“I doubt you’re about to hurt me,” Harry said. “Not after all the trouble you went to trying to save me.”
“Perhaps not.” Snape pursed his lips. “That doesn’t explain why I should assist you, however.”
“We have a...problem.”
“Oh? Is there a new Dark wizard?” Snape pulled out his wand and waved it, the papers on his desk settling themselves into neat stacks.
“Vampires,” Harry said.
“Nasty.” Snape smirked. “You ought to do something about that.”
“A nest attacked Hogsmeade and took several of the inhabitants captive.”
Snape made a non-committal sound.
“One person escaped, but he can’t tell us where the nest is, and until he does, innocent people will continue to be tortured. If we don’t find them, they’ll likely be murdered and turned.”
Snape shrugged. “Use Legilimency.”
“I did. It didn’t work.”
“Has someone competent tried?” Snape sneered.
Harry closed his eyes and counted to ten. Slowly. “As I said, it didn’t work. We need to counteract the effects of the bite,” he said, reminding himself to stick to his goal. I can’t let him distract me. “The creature bit him twice.”
Snape shrugged. “Then he is enthralled. There’s not much to do but hope he’s strong enough to fight it.”
“He is fighting it.” Harry frowned as Snape lit a burner with a muttered Incendio. “I didn’t think you’d use magic so openly in the Muggle world.”
“There’s no one else here and it’s hardly likely to shock you, is it?” Snape said, levitating one beaker off the lit Bunsen burner and setting it onto the counter before replacing it with another. “And you have not answered my original question. Why should I assist you?”
“Because we really need a Potions master, and there aren’t very many of them around.”
“To deal with vampires?” Snape smirked. “What are they teaching in Auror school, Potter? All you need to deal with vampires are some wooden stakes, crucifixes and holy water.”
“It’s my understanding that years ago you developed a potion to reverse the effects of creature bites,” Harry said, keeping careful hold on his temper.
Snape’s head snapped up and his eyes narrowed. “You’ve been talking to Lupin?”
Guardedly, Harry nodded. “Sort of. Anyway, we need you to make some more of that potion.”
“Then you do have a problem,” Snape muttered. “I am no longer brewing.” He crossed his arms. “I thought Lupin died in the war.”
“Most people thought you died in the war,” Harry replied. “Clearly they were wrong.”
“So Lupin survived?”
“No.” Harry ran a hand through his hair. “So, will you or will you not come back with me?”
“Why should I?” Snape gestured around him. “I’m doing important work here. I am appreciated for my superior intellect. There is nothing back there for me.” He leaned against the counter. “So, how did you speak with Lupin if he’s dead, Auror Potter?”
Harry looked away. How did this man manage to make him feel eleven years old all the time? “I used the Resurrection Stone,” he said.
“You what?” Snape rolled his eyes. “You used a Deathly Hallow to have a casual chat with a dead man? You are truly an idiot!”
“It wasn’t a casual chat!” Harry growled. He blinked when Snape smirked, then took a deep breath. “I was searching for someone to help me with Dark creatures and he came,” Harry continued more calmly. “When they arrived, they told me that you weren’t dead, which was why I decided to look for you. After that it was basic tracking.”
“They?” Snape asked. “Lupin and--?”
“My godfather.” Harry crossed his arms. “Look, are you going to help me or not?”
“Lupin and Black are still involved, even in the afterlife?” Snape laughed bitterly. “Dear God. Gryffindor sentimentality knows no bounds, does it?”
“Why are you so upset?” Harry snapped. “Depressed because you no longer get to spy on them as they shag?”
A dull flush suffused Snape’s face as the words hung in the air between them. “Get out,” he growled.
Harry was cursing himself mentally as he stepped forward. He held up his hand in the universal signal for ‘please don’t hurt me’. “Wait! Just--”
“I said get OUT!”
“Snape, please--”
“I’ll not say it again, Potter,” Snape said coldly. Turning away, he began fussing with something on the counter behind him. “This discussion is over.”
After staring for a moment at Snape’s unyielding back, Harry sighed and started for the door. Maybe if I come back later he’ll be more receptive... As he placed his hand on the door, Harry said, “I’ll be back.”
He smiled when, as the door was about to close, he heard Snape say, “Yes, I imagine you will, Merlin help me.”
~
The door opened at two forty-seven and Severus sighed. “Returned for more punishment, have you?”
“Are you mad? After six years of school with you as my professor, this is nothing,” Potter replied, amusement lacing his voice.
Severus raised an eyebrow. It had taken several minutes of pushing to get Potter to lose his temper earlier. Perhaps the boy has learned something over the years. As he turned to face Potter, however, Severus was again forcibly reminded that he was definitely no longer a boy.
No, this Potter was a man; a broad-shouldered, slim-hipped man, and yet, still with that outrageous hair and his mother’s eyes. “Was my answer earlier not clear enough?”
“Professor, we really need your help. Surely there’s something you need that we can negotiate.”
Severus leaned back against the counter, hoping Potter wouldn’t see how much he needed its support. Even though he’d recovered a lot of his function since Nagini’s bite, he still suffered from bouts of irritating and inexplicable muscular spasms that meant he was likely to fall if he wasn’t near something solid to hold him up. Since he spent most of his time in his laboratory he hardly ever noticed, but he certainly didn’t want Potter knowing about it.
“I have all I need,” he said.
“Except the respect of the wizarding world,” Potter said.
“I hardly need that since I am no longer in it.”
“But you want to come back, don’t you?” Potter had the gall to smile. “You use magic in secret, what else do you hide from the Muggles?”
“Your point?”
“You’re a wizard, Professor.” Potter chewed his lower lip for a moment, and Severus was reminded of the seventeen-year-old who’d faced Voldemort not knowing if he would live through it. “How can you be happy hiding who you are?”
“I have grown accustomed to it,” Severus said dryly. “It comes from a lifetime of persecution, and that’s even discounting my homosexuality.”
Potter coloured and Severus waited for the snide comment concerning his sexuality. But it never came. “Sorry about what I said yesterday,” Potter said clearly. “It wasn’t any sort of condemnation. How could I criticize you for that? I...I’m gay, too. It’s just frustrating because I know you could help us and so many could benefit from your work that--”
“Spare me the flattery,” Severus interrupted. Potter was a homosexual? Crossing his arms, he considered the man facing him for a long moment. “I suppose there is one thing I should like,” he finally said.
“What’s that?” Potter looked wary.
Severus held Potter’s gaze. “I should like to use the Resurrection Stone. Privately.”
Potter’s mouth opened in shock before he collected himself. “You...but why? Who do you want to talk to?”
“That is my business,” Severus said. “That is my condition. Take it or--”
“All right.” Potter spoke quickly, a thoughtful look on his face.
Severus narrowed his eyes. “You agree?”
Potter nodded. “Yes, I agree. If you come back with me and help us to reverse the vampire curse on Nev--on the victims, you can use the Resurrection Stone.”
“Longbottom?” Severus asked. “He’s the victim? And he hasn’t succumbed yet? It appears the boy grew a backbone.”
A bright red flush enveloped Potter’s face. “He’s always had a backbone,” he gritted out, looking as if he were about to hex Severus. Severus smiled.
“Indeed. He did develop into quite the activist in the year you were off gallivanting across the countryside.”
“Professor, before we go any further I’d like to apologize for leaving you for dead. If we’d known--”
Severus held up a hand. “You thought exactly what you were meant to, Mr. Potter. You need have no regrets on my account. Now, tell me about Longbottom. Why do you think he hasn’t succumbed? Latent courage?”
“He killed Nagini,” Potter blurted out.
Severus’ eyes widened before he looked away. A surge of pride filled him before he quashed it. “Is that so? Then perhaps I do owe him a debt.” Pulling out his wand, he flicked it in the direction of his already packed and shrunken trunks.
“You’re all packed?” Potter grinned. “I guess you were pretty confident of what my answer would be, hm?”
“The basis of any negotiation is knowing one’s opponent, Potter.”
Potter tilted his head. “Maybe one of these days we won’t be opponents anymore,” he said.
Severus didn’t deign to reply to that, he simply gestured towards the door. “After you.” Gritting his teeth, he strode towards the exit, exerting every effort to not reveal his muscular weakness.
“Shouldn’t you tell someone you’re leaving?” Potter asked as he shut the laboratory door.
“My assistant is already aware that I shall be away for a few days, as is the Chairman of the department,” Severus said. “They shan’t be expecting me back for a while.”
Potter nodded. “Right. Well, can you make it to the edge of the university grounds to Apparate or should I Side-Along with you here?”
So much for concealing my infirmities. “I do not require your assistance,” Severus snapped. “Since you appear aware of my residual injuries, I shall say this once. I am not handicapped in any way that requires your coddling; I can do anything that you can.”
Potter raised an eyebrow. “You have injuries?” he asked, looking Severus up and down. “I hadn’t noticed, actually. I asked because we’re going to Grimmauld Place and since it’s still under a Fidelius Charm and I’m the Secret-Keeper, I’ll need to bring you or write down the address for you.”
Severus silently cursed his loose tongue. “I see. In that case I suppose it is easier for you to Apparate both of us.”
“Good idea,” Potter murmured. “Is there somewhere close and private--?”
Severus inclined his head. “An empty classroom over here,” he said, allowing himself to limp since he was no longer fooling anyone. To his surprise, Potter automatically slowed his own pace without comment, although Severus could imagine it would be difficult given his long legs. And why am I even noticing his legs?
Since it was afternoon, the place was deserted, and after quickly looking around, Severus nodded for Potter to proceed. Stepping close, Potter placed his hand on Severus’ arm. Severus tried not to notice the tingle that went through him at the contact, and as the rush of Apparation engulfed him, he closed his eyes and tried to tamp down the feeling that he was finally going home.
~
Neville shivered involuntarily as Bill’s hand trailed down his back. “Don’t tell me you’re ticklish,” Bill whispered, his hand tracing obscure patterns on Neville’s skin.
“All right,” Neville replied, an irrepressible smile on his face. “I won’t tell you.”
Bill shook his head. “Don’t force me to find out the hard way,” he threatened, his hand lingering on the curve of Neville’s bare arse.
“Maybe I just need to distract you,” Neville said, pressing close to Bill and kissing him. Their lips clung for a moment before they pulled apart.
“If I get any more distracted, I won’t be able to walk,” Bill murmured back. “You dohave a lot of stamina.”
Neville could feel himself blushing. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” he said. “I’ve never...I mean, I’m not usually like this.”
“Like what?”
“This...insatiable.” Neville looked away.
“It could be an effect of the bite,” Bill whispered, his hand coming up to touch the bandage on Neville’s neck. “Vampires are supposed to have a lot of stamina.” Neville sighed and Bill leaned forward, nuzzling his jaw. “Or it could just be that I’m inspiring,” he continued, grinning.
Neville smiled back. “You are,” he said. “Very.”
Bill sat back with a visible effort. “Speaking of the bite, the wound isn’t bleeding again, even though we were pretty strenuous that last round, so I think that means your immune system is reasserting itself. That’s what Hermione said could happen, remember? If the effects of the bite began to fade.”
“So maybe I’ll heal myself?” Neville looked up into Bill’s eyes. “Maybe I won’t need a potion?”
“If Harry manages to find someone who can give you a potion to reverse the effects of the vampire bite, would you say no?”
Neville shook his head. “Not even if it meant I’d revert back to having a normal sex drive,” he joked. It came out sounding plaintive, however.
Bill pursed his lips. “There’s nothing wrong with a normal sex drive,” he said quietly.
As Neville opened his mouth to reply, an Apparation crack sounded and he could hear footsteps. “Bloody hell! I guess Harry’s back,” he said.
Bill smiled. “And?”
“And we’re both naked in bed together!”
“If I read Harry right, he’ll be thrilled,” Bill murmured.
Neville blinked. “What? But--” Just then, the door was flung open.
“Neville! Bill! I found someone who can help--”
Nervous laugher bubbled up in Neville’s throat at the gobsmacked look on Harry’s face. What a picture we must make! But when a familiar pair of black eyes peered over Harry’s shoulder, Neville blanched. “Headmaster S...Snape?” he stuttered.
Bill, however, didn’t seem put off at all. “Hullo, Harry.” His eyes flicked to Snape and he smiled. “Snape. I guess the rumours of your death have been greatly exaggerated.”
As Snape took in the scene with apparent equanimity, Neville cringed. The two of them tangled together under thin sheets was not how he wanted to be found by anyone, much less Snape. Neville said a quick and silent prayer of thanks that they had pulled the sheet up over their bodies minutes before. His eyes flicked to Harry, and he was surprised to see an almost envious look on his face. When he saw Neville was staring at him, however, he smiled reassuringly, his face clearing.
“Mr. Longbottom,” Snape said, stepping around Harry and entering the room fully. “I understand you’ve been bitten twice by a vampire.”
Neville nodded in what he hoped was a calm way. It wasn’t every day one had a dead man walk into one’s bedroom, after all. Especially when one was clearly in a compromising position with another man.
Snape’s eyes narrowed in concentration. “Mr. Potter tells me that you still have a non-healing wound left by the creature,” he said.
“It’s on his neck,” Bill said, moving Neville’s head so that Snape could see it. “Hermione put a Stasis Spell and this bandage on and they’ve held so far, although the wound does bleed periodically.”
Snape was now so close that Neville could smell the faint tang of bitter herbs that had always seemed to linger about him when he’d been Potions professor. Neville held his breath as Snape examined him, exhaling slightly when he moved away.
“Granger did an adequate job,” Snape finally announced. “The most important thing now, however, is that you need to get this bond severed. I am not sure if it’s possible; it depends on how deeply the creature got its fangs into you.”
“It bit me twice,” Neville said. “I think it was over the course of two or three nights but I can’t be exactly sure. I lost track of time.”
“Indeed,” Snape said. “Not surprising, given the circumstances Mr. Potter tells me you had to endure.”
Neville blinked in surprise. Snape had almost sounded admiring, but surely that couldn’t be...
“Although that does not surprise me, given the depth of character you displayed during your seventh year under my tutelage,” Snape continued, much to Neville’s shock.
“I, um, what?” he said.
Snape smirked. “It appears your level of eloquence remains much the same, however.” He walked towards the door. “I shall get started on the potion immediately. Potter tells me that he has adequate brewing facilities here. I shall reserve judgement on that for the moment.” He pursed his lips. “I have some experience with creature bites, albeit mostly with werewolves. I imagine, however, that some similar principles apply.”
Bill had been stroking Neville’s bare back for some time and it had been a distraction, but at that statement, Neville perked up. “So you’ll be able to reverse some of the effects of the bite?” he asked.
“What effects are you experiencing?” Snape asked.
“Nightmares, sleep spell casting, extra, um, stamina--” Neville blushed.
Snape’s eyes glittered; whether with amusement or not Neville had no idea. “Indeed. Well, the nightmares are likely induced by the creature attempting to re-establish its hold on you. The stamina...” Snape raised an eyebrow, “...are you sure that’s not something you’d rather keep?”
“I’ll show you where the lab is,” Harry said as Neville blushed furiously and Bill chuckled softly.
Snape nodded, and just as he reached the door, he paused. “Oh, and gentlemen?”
Neville looked up at him inquiringly, noting that Bill was doing the same.
Snape smiled wickedly. “The next time you decide to indulge in private activity, may I suggest you lock the door?”
He swept from the room, Harry following immediately after him. Before he left, though, Harry winked.
Bill was shaking with laughter and once Harry was gone, he leaned his head against Neville’s shoulder. “Well he’s certainly mellowed,” he chuckled. As Neville stared disbelievingly at him, Bill laughed all the harder. “Hey, at least he didn’t critique our physiques,” he said. “It could have been worse.”
Neville exhaled. “Give him time,” he muttered gloomily.
Bill simply smiled and began nibbling at Neville’s shoulder.
Neville’s breath hitched and he moaned. “We really shouldn’t,” he argued half-heartedly as Bill’s caresses grew bolder.
“Do you really care what he thinks?” Bill whispered.
“Not really,” Neville replied, his eyes fluttering closed as Bill lightly sucked his Adam’s apple.
“Good,” Bill said, his lips now skimming Neville’s jaw. “I’ll continue my distraction then, shall I?”
“Please,” Neville sighed, reaching up to pull Bill on top of him, and as Bill continued his excellent distraction techniques, Neville vowed to find out what had caused the odd look he’d spotted on Harry’s face earlier. Then all such considerations left his mind under the onslaught of Bill’s mouth and hands and body.
~
“Harry?”
Harry looked up from the parchments spread out in front of him, smiling in welcome when he saw who was there. “Hermione. I didn’t hear you arrive.”
“Probably because you’re distracted,” she said, walking into the study and closing the door behind her.
He made a face. “You think?” he asked dryly.
Hermione grinned. “Just a feeling. I have my perceptive moments.”
“Can you blame me?” Harry grimaced. “I think anyone would be distracted under the circumstances.”
“I never told you this,” she confided, “but I always had a feeling that Snape was still alive somewhere.”
Harry raised an eyebrow. “And you never said?”
She shrugged. “It’s hard to justify a manhunt based on a feeling, especially as I had no facts to base that feeling on.”
“Why did you think he was alive?”
“Snape always struck me as too much of a survivor to have succumbed to something as, well, predictable as a snake bite, especially since he knew that’s what happened to Arthur.” Hermione sighed. “Plus, he’s a Potions master. I can’t see him not having a bezoar and some anti-venom on him at all times.”
Harry nodded. “Yeah, but didn’t you get the feeling there at the end that he wanted to die? That it was his way of atoning or something?”
“Apparently not,” she said. “I, for one, am glad he survived.”
“Yeah...” Harry glanced down at his copy of the Prophet with its headline that was declaring War Hero Severus Snape is Alive and Returns to Aid Ministry in Time of Need! He flipped it over. “The media reaction has surprised me, though. I thought there would be outrage, and here everyone is welcoming him back.”
Hermione sat down and looked at Harry pointedly. “Arranging that took some work, I’ll have you know.”
“Oh?” Harry leaned back. “Why am I surprised? So what did you do?”
“I just sent a few owls out to certain people when I realised Snape was alive.” She smiled. “Have you forgotten that Lavender was promoted recently?”
“And?”
“And she took over Skeeter’s column. Seems like a natural fit, doesn’t it?”
“You’re friends with her?”
Hermione grinned. “She’s friends with me,” she clarified. “I think she saw the advantage of cultivating a friendship now that she’s marrying into a family I’m close to.”
“Speaking of close...” Harry began.
Hermione held up a hand. “Harry! I’m not going to talk about Charlie, no matter how many times you ask. At least not until you’re prepared to talk about your love life.”
“What love life?”
She smiled. “The one I suspect you’re about to have. Speaking of Snape, how are things going?”
“I thought we were talking about my lack of a love life.”
“Mm.” She chuckled. “We’re talking about a lot of things right now. Whatever connection you choose to draw is up to you.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Snape is his usual exasperating, irascible, infuriating self, although I don’t think I appreciated until now what a dry sense of humour he has.”
Hermione nodded. “It is hard for students to appreciate their professors as regular people. Has he seen the paper?”
“I don’t know if he’s seen the latest article yet. He doesn’t seem the type to enjoy notoriety.” Harry pinched his nose. “He’s working hard on the potion for Neville, at least.”
“And it seems to be having a effect,” Hermione said. “His wound is definitely improving. He did give you an idea of where the captives were being held, right?”
Harry nodded. “Yes, although, unfortunately, they’d already been moved. We’re still trying to track them.”
“Shame.” Hermione murmured. “Yet that’s all due to Snape. Say what you will, but he really is brilliant.”
“Yeah, he is.” Harry sighed. “Although I did have one moment of vindication, though.”
“Oh?”
Harry grinned. “He tried his ‘superior’ Legilimency skills on Neville because he didn’t believe I had been thorough enough, and he didn’t get anywhere.”
Hermione shook her head. “I’m so glad you’re both being adults about this.”
“Well I’m being an adult,” Harry muttered.
“Uh huh.”
“I am!”
“Right. Anyway, speaking of potions--” Hermione reached into her robes and pulled out a vial. “That’s for Snape.”
“What is it?” Harry asked, picking it up and looking at it.
“He’s suffered a lot of nerve damage. It’s a new Nerve-Repair Potion I’ve developed. It may help his gait.” Standing up, she leaned over the desk. “I have to go, but I think you and Snape need to talk. I suspect you have unfinished business.”
“He doesn’t want to talk to me,” Harry said. “I think he’s avoiding me.”
“Or you’ve been avoiding each other.” Hermione rolled her eyes. “Honestly, the two of you are acting like infants! Talk to him or I’ll talk to him for you!”
Harry held up a hand. “All right! God, you’re bossy.”
“And you love it,” she said, walking towards the door. “Do it soon, Harry. You never know when I’ll decide to intervene.”
She narrowly missed the wad of parchment he threw at her.
~
Continued in part 3
