Annnnnd the LAST ONE! This turned out about three times longer than I expected it to be. I really hope you will enjoy it!

The Truce

When Harry woke up, he was alone in the infirmary. The previously brightly shining sun had found sanctuary behind the distant mountains. The last of its rays still brought some light to the hospital wing, just enough so that Harry did not need to light up a candle to see what had woken him. He heard rustling along the bed, something brushing against the crisp white sheets, and then tiny bare feet clapped against the stone floor. He listened motionless and alert.

Something tugged on his sheet at his other side and he turned around quickly. He felt around for his glasses and put them on before he edged to the side of the bed and looked down. Relieved, he exhaled slowly. Round eyes, big as tennis balls, looked back at him from below. Long ears with well groomed white hair growing out of them prickled, then flattened slightly, as Harry rolled onto his back.

"Master has to wake up." Kreacher whispered but his voice still rang around in the vast, empty room. "Master is expected at the Christmas Ball," the old elf said softly, tugging at the clean Hogwarts pillow case he was wearing.

Harry sat up and stretched out, yawning. "What time is it?" He asked as his hands went under the bed sheet, to zip up his trousers.

"Four o'clock in the afternoon, Master," answer the house elf. "The Headmaster wanted to give Master enough time to prepare himself and had sent for Kreacher to wake Master."

As if waking from a drunken haze the Gryffindor suddenly remembered what went down in this room mere hours ago. He could still feel the soft lips on his cock and the hands on his body. He felt relaxed, his previous problem seemed to have ceased to exist after the Headmaster so readily came to his aid. How long would it last though, Harry wondered, already certain that his relaxed state of mind would change the moment he saw the professor this evening.

"Thanks, Kreacher," said the Saviour gratefully to his elf.

"If Master does not need Kreacher anymore, Kreacher would return to the Kitchen, sir. There is plenty to do, the House Elves are busy," said the small, wrinkly creature excitedly.

Harry nodded again as he waved his servant to go where he was needed. "Yes, yes, you can go. Thanks, I appreciate you coming up here for me."

As Kreacher turned to leave, Harry cried after him. "Hey, if you need any help from us, from COC– I mean the Christmas committee, let us know, okay?"

Kreacher sniffed, clearly offended by the suggestion that he or any other elf in this school needed a wizard's help to get things done. "The elves appreciate Master's offer, but the Hogwarts Elves would never allow the wizards and witches they serve to help them." He replied clearly irritated.

Harry smiled at the old elf. "You're right. You could probably do a better job than us anyways."

Kreacher nodded in agreement then with a snap of his fingers, disappeared. The bang of his apparition echoed under the arched walls for a couple more minutes.

The Boy Hero slipped off the bed and tried to collect himself. He pulled out his wand from his pocket and pointed it at the bed. He flicked it and the bed cleaned itself, while the sheets straightened and tucked themselves in neatly around the edges. Harry left the Infirmary leaving no trace behind, as if nothing had ever happened in there.

He hurried up the stairs, marching straight towards Gryffindor Tower, where his dress robes awaited him. He met Neville and Ginny on the way up, both still covered in snow, leaving a wet trail behind them. As they climbed through the portrait hole, the redhead reminded both young men that her mother was expecting to see them this evening, before she turned towards the girls' dormitory and left.

Harry could sense Neville turn suddenly edgy next him.

"First time since you two...?" He asked and Neville smiled at him weakly.

"Yeah. I'm terrified."

"Molly will love you," Harry assured him as they walked up the stairs.

"It's not her Mom, I'm worried about," groaned Neville. "But the four brothers."

Harry laughed, clapping his friend on the back reassuringly. He didn't want to remind the other that Molly Weasley could very well turn into a furious dragon when it came to protecting her children. Neville seemed nervous enough already, there was no need for further antagonizing.

As they walked into their room, they found Ron lying across his bed, his hands under his pillow, staring blindly into nothingness.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready?" asked Neville from the redhead.

"Yeah, I suppose," came Ron's answer as he sat up. "You know what, you go first, I'll have a word with Harry."

Neville, shoving a towel over his shoulder, disappeared in the bathroom. Harry sat down next to his best friend. "What's wrong?" He asked softly.

Ron pulled out a little black velvet box from under the pillow. He snapped it open with a finger, revealing a beautiful ring. The gold band was embroidered with Celtic motives and enclosed a huge diamond in the middle that had the colour of champagne and was surrounded by two smaller white stones on each side. The ambient light flickered off the gems almost blinding the two Gryffindors.

"Mom sent it ahead," was all Ron said, looking at his friend expectantly.

Harry grinned at him as he answered, "I'm touched, Ron, but I can't marry you. I don't like gingers. You know I prefer greasy black hair."

Ron just snorted then boxed into the green eyed man's shoulder. "Sod off," he grunted.

Harry laughed then massaging his sore arm muscle, beamed at his friend. "It's gorgeous. She'll love it."

"It was my mom's. She said Hermione deserves it more than anyone," sighed Ron, but something was still bothering him.

"And she's right." Harry nodded supportively.

"But do I...?" He started hesitant, but then gulped and finished the sentence. "Do I deserve her?"

Harry patted him on the shoulder. "No," he grinned.

Ron snapped up his head and looked at the Saviour with murderous intentions, while Harry just laughed at him gleefully. Then, deciding that he suffered enough, and probably would suffer even more during the next couple of hours, he looked into the blue eyes and smiled warmly. "Of course you deserve her. And she deserves you. You've been in love with each other for years, just ask her. She will be ecstatic, you'll see."

Ron nodded hesitantly, looking paler then Harry had ever seen him, though the tips of his ears were scarlet. "Thanks, mate," he said softly, as he closed the little black box and sunk it into his pocket. He looked shocked when he raised his glance at his friend and shook his head slightly as if he were trying to shake something off his scarlet curls. "Blimey, Harry, am I really doing this?"

Harry smiled, grasped the strong shoulder firmly and said, "You've waited long enough."

When Neville finished, Harry took over the bathroom. Then Ron showered too, and in the meanwhile the other two young men dressed up for the ball. It was nearly five when they were finished and Harry looked at himself in the mirror, feeling almost pleased. He took in the black suit and the bottle green robes over it; at least that agreed with his form. His hair was a mess as usual. His ink black locks stood unruly out of the back of his head, no amount of water or magic was able to bring them to cooperation. His reflection showed a bright grin and winked at him and Harry turned away from it quickly. Ten minutes before five they gathered in the Common Room, waiting for Ginny and Hermione. Harry felt just a bit awkward for not having a proper date for the night, but then Hermione showed up on the top of the stairs and his thoughts left him. She looked like a princess in her long, tiered, ruffled gown. He felt Ron bump into him slightly, as if swaying, then a hand grasped onto his shoulder for support. He smiled at his gaping friend then nudged him forward to welcome his girlfriend – if things went as planned, then not just girlfriend but fiancée starting from this night.

Affectionate words were exchanged; the young woman smiled humbly, not believing what she must have just heard, but Ron nodded and repeated it, making her smile more brightly. She kissed his cheek softly and lovingly and Harry, feeling like an intruder snapped his eyes back at the top of the stairs, knowing Ginny should be there soon as well.

And she was, looking confident in her dark blue short dress as she took stair after stair. Her flaming long hair cascaded on her shoulders and her self-assured gaze burned every wizard in the Common Room. She radiated power and she was perfectly aware of it, which probably made her look even stronger. Neville stepped next to her and held out a hand, she smiled softly and took it. He kissed it first, then her lips next. It wasn't to show for every male around his claim on her, but to assure her of her exquisite beauty. Not that she needed any assertion.

Harry waited a couple of feet behind them until Hermione walked to him. She regarded him strictly and Harry spun, making a full turn. She laughed and hugged his arm. "You look dashing," she beamed.

"And you look beautiful," he said, which made Hermione blush slightly.

Ginny came too, slapping Harry's arse lightly. "Look at you," she grinned.

Harry bowed slightly, offered his other hand to her and winked, "Shall we?"

The ginger girl laughed, took Harry's other arm and they strolled across the Gryffindor Common Room. As the portrait opened, he hopped out and helped the girls out too. He looked at his two mates grinning. "Are you coming, or am I taking both ladies to the ball?"

"I thought you like the black haired ones," Ron grunted laughing then nudged Neville forward.

Harry took one more glance at the two gorgeous women behind him. One powerful and consuming like a Fiendfyre, the other calm and strong, unyielding and wise like the endless ocean. "It seems, I do," Harry grinned back.

(◡‿◡✿) ******************* (✿◡‿◡)

He realized just how much he liked the black haired ones – one in particular – when he arrived in the Great Hall, leading their little group. The Main Entrance was wide open; two tiny, young house elves, who barely reached up to the Chosen One's waist, stood on both sides, collecting coats. Their merry group, now expanded with Luna, who was wearing the most peculiar dress, Harry had ever seen, stayed close to the entrance all waiting for their family members. They were only a couple of feet away from door so Harry had an excellent view of the Headmaster of Hogwarts, who was busy welcoming all the guests. The smile on the wizard's face was just a small one, more polite than happy but seemed genuine. He wore black as always, but this set of robes was made of different material than the usual. Not silk, surely, but it was soft to the eyes and looked great on the man. The moment Harry had spotted him, his belly made a weird jerk, signing appreciation. Much more appreciation that it had shown to the girls who were now showered with adorned glances by all the other witches and wizards.

Snape wasn't beautiful. Not even handsome. Not even reasonably. But he was strong, like an old ebony, battered by the furious wind and destroying rain, yet still there through years and years. No storm or fire able to obliterate it and always finding a way to grow. His power was different than the blaze that radiated from Ginny. This power was old, mighty, simmering but always there beneath the surface, like roots of the enormous tree. Harry knew that in need this power would become fiercer, burning mercilessly through lands, forests and mountains. For years the onyx eyes seemed empty like an endless hole, yet now, as their gaze connected over the myriad of wizards and witches, it was full of something. Something untouchable, vast, compelling, drawing Harry closer and closer. For a second, the Gryffindor wanted to obey and follow the heady sensation until he could stand in front of the man but luckily, someone touched his arm just when he was about to put one leg in front of the other, which would have let to disastrous results.

Severus – it really should still be Professor Snape, Harry softly chided himself – sensed how excited the young man became upon seeing him, surely the distinctive, dark smirk on his face was not to welcome his ex-student, Katie Bell, and her parents who came to visit the fourth member of their family, Coraline (first year, Gryffindor). Katie waved at him when she noticed Harry looking towards her, though the young man wasn't watching her. He waved back when Katie walked past him and his friends with her sister's hand in hers.

The familiar swarm of redheads followed the Bells and Ron stood on tiptoes to wave to his family.

"Oh hello, Ron, dear!" Molly called back smiling as Severus – Snape, came the scolding voice again – took her heavy coat and welcomed them; this time, his smile was genuine, not bright or gleaming as Dumbledore's would have been but soft and honest.

Their little gang pressed ahead, closer to the Entrance and a moment later, Harry could see bright yellow hair. Luna cried, "Dad!" and waved her arm. One of the elves took his coat and Xenophilius watched the little creature as if he never had seen one before.

"An elf, darling, have you seen her!" Xeno shouted over the people brightly smiling while his daughter tried to get through the crowd.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," said a deep voice almost right next to Harry. The Chosen One had only a second to wonder how he ended up right next to the Headmaster, but then Hermione's dad was shaking his hand, while Severus – the voice knew a lost cause when it saw one so it remained quiet this time – took Jane's coat. Harry looked at the familiar faces, the Weasleys, Grangers, Lovegoods, all jolly, Christmas seeping into their hearts. All except one, with red hair, freckles and a heartbreakingly sad smile on his face. His brown eyes were on the ceiling but Harry knew he was looking beyond it. This was the first time George had come back here since the Battle of Hogwarts, where he had lost his other half forever.

He was about to go there but then a beautiful black woman stepped next to him, putting an arm around his waist. George looked down at her and smiled, mischief shined in his eyes now, not sadness. Angelina smiled back and kissed him then they, too, joined the Weasley family.

"You comin', Harry?" Neville asked, his grandmother standing next to him like a proud hawk.

"Hello, Mrs. Longbottom," The Saviour greeted the old lady. "You go ahead, Neville, I'm still waiting for someone."

Neville nodded then let the crowd take him and his granny to the Great Hall.

Bright lights flashed outside and for a moment Harry thought they were lightning. It wasn't relief he felt when the reporters and photographers of the Daily Prophet ambled in sparkling in fashionable robes and dresses. This was it, the moment this whole Christmas Gala was organized for. The journalists oozed in, humming like bees, snapping their cameras at everything and everyone.

Unwillingly, his gaze searched for Severus' and when he found it, he smiled reassuringly.

Severus smiled idly and mouthed, "I hate them," then turned towards, a wizard who, as Harry later found out, was Barnabas Cuffe, the editor of the Prophet. Harry laughed then returned to scanning the crowd, still waiting for his family. Not that the Weasley's weren't his family, but there were two other people on this world now, who looked at him as their own – well... currently it was rather only just one and a half.

He heard the gasps, scared and filled with terror but he noticed the vivid blue hair first. Teddy giggled in his grandmother's arms, who smiled timidly at the people around them. Her brown hair waved serenely in the mild wind outside and her long coat swept the ground at her feet. Snow covered her shoulders but Andromeda Tonks still looked effortlessly elegant. As she walked into the light, the wizards and witches finally realized it was not her evil sister who had returned and the tension ebbed away.

"Mrs. Tonks, allow me," Severus smiled holding both his hands out. Harry gaped as the Headmaster took his godson in his arms, carefully as if Teddy would be a precious treasure. An elf removed the long coat by the time Harry got there. The Gryffindor hugged Andromeda delicately, almost blinded by the continuous flashes that never seemed to stop.

"Mr. Potter," said Severus softly and Harry took the child from him. He stared into the black eyes and could swear the wizard in front of him was gleeful. He knew, a picture of them like this would start rumours all over the Wizarding World not just between the Castle's ancient walls. Was this Snape's plan?

Reporters called his name and he answered the question he heard out from the frenzy. Teddy enjoyed the attention and charmed the audience fast, changing his features from one second to the other. They pressed through the crowd – Teddy's hair was long and lilac, while he had a nose resembling a certain Headmaster's – and sighed relieved when they managed to shake off the journalists.

"Thanks for coming," he beamed at Andromeda happily.

As they talked, Teddy climbed up onto his shoulders, loving the view from up there. When they walked around the Great Hall, many heads turned towards them but the Gryffindor disregarded them. His attention was focused on his godson and the boy's grandmother. They sat down at their table and Mrs. Tonks was engulfed in a conversation with Mrs. Longbottom almost instantly. Harry kept Teddy in his lap as he sat beside her; he was glad he could finally see him after all these months.

They had chatted for a while, and then Harry took Teddy on a walk around the castle. He talked to him nonstop, retelling his years among these walls and the little boy was in awe as he took in the great castle. Ron, who was there too seemed nervous, almost agitated and Harry knew the reason why. The little black box was in the redhead's pocket, waiting to be opened. When they met Hermione who was talking to Angelina and George, Harry gave his best friend a gentle shove. He watched as the bushy haired girl excused herself before she and Ron headed outside hand in hand. The other Weasley and his girlfriend returned to the Hall while someone called out Harry's name.

Blond haired young man strolled towards them wearing elegant silver robes. Malfoy watched the child on the Gryffindor's arm as if it were a centaur not a human. He frowned then tilted his head, then looked surprised when Teddy imitated his hair colour.

"So... you're my cousin, eh?" Draco asked the kid, poking him softly with his pointing finger. He must have realized Teddy wasn't going to bite because he became braver and tickled the young boy's tummy, who giggled happily. The blond snorted then said with noncommittal shrug, "It could be worse, I guess."

"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry grunted but couldn't help it, he smiled too.

"I've seen you with Severus," Draco smirked nudging his head towards the Entrance Hall. "You two should be more careful, you looked like a big happy family there."

"I should be killing you for that candy," Harry remarked after making sure no one was around them who could eavesdrop on their conversation.

"I hope you enjoyed it," grinned the Slytherin then he added while waving his hand, "and don't worry, I was already told to stop. He should be telling you the same sometime tonight. Now that the school is exposed, I guess it's just too much risk." He took a deep breath then sneered. "What the hell am I going to do in the next six months?"

"Don't you have a girlfriend?" The Gryffindor smirked.

"I have a fiancée, Potter. And funny you've asked, because I might just lose even her tonight."

Teddy started fidgeting, so Harry put him down and they started walking amongst the singing armours. "No matter what happens, your parents won't call off the wedding, will they?"

"Mine, no," laughed the Malfoy heir. "Hers on the other hand..."

"Do you have a plan?" Harry asked watching his godson as he squatted down and started scratching the dirty, old floor with one if his fat little hands.

Draco was quiet for a second, looking ahead of himself. "Does improvising count as a plan?" He asked then, moving slowly ahead, and Harry realized who was coming towards them from the other side of the corridor.

Harry straightened up slowly and ushered Teddy towards the nearest door. "You'll charm them, Draco," said the Saviour encouragingly.

"Thanks, Harry," answered the blond, his eyes stuck on his soon to be mother-in-law. Then, as if only realizing then what he had said, he looked at the Gryffindor sneering. "Bye, Potter."

(◡‿◡✿) ******************* (✿◡‿◡)

The Gala officially began with the Headmaster's speech. Snape thanked the Governors for understanding why he had opened the gates of Hogwarts for even the magicless people too; he talked about the importance of family and unity in times of darkness but even more in times of happiness when we could share that with each other. He thanked the Christmas Decoration Committee for giving the school this wonderful festive look and thanked the House Elves for their hard work in the kitchen. He encouraged the guests to approach him or the stuff with any question freely as their students do then wished them a pleasant evening and happy holidays. As he sat down and people all around the Hall clapped their hands, the band started playing a gentle, well known christmasy tune. As the dinner showed up on the tables, house elves appeared to everyone's amazement, too. They looked like snowflakes in their Hogwarts uniform, white and spotless, all carrying around plates and drinks.

The noise was louder than during any other dinner Harry had had in this room. Cheerful and noisy, the whole Great Hall hummed with happiness and magic. The dashing fairies, the sparkling snow, the Christmas trees reeking of their pine scent and all the decorations were nothing compared to the sensation all these guests brought in the castle. As Harry looked around now, he realized this was the first time he had felt truly at home at Hogwarts this year. They had finally shed the last of the shadows of the battle; the darkness was finally overwritten by light and love. It was as if Hogwarts itself had after all these months healed at last.

He noticed the dark glance looking his way and smiling he watched as the Headmaster raised his glass. Harry followed the motion; the sparkling wine in his crystal glass bubbled merrily. Over the heads of many unsuspecting wizards and witches they tilted their glasses.

People started noticing the silent Headmaster and after several hushing noises everyone quieted. From his high chair Severus looked around, his face pale but his chin high and proud. Just like an old ebony tree on the top of a hill, looking down on its kingdom, Harry thought.

"To Christmas," said the Headmaster then, and his deep baritone drummed through the ears of his audience.

"To Christmas," echoed the whole of the Great Hall except one emerald eyed young man. He waited until the black eyes were back on him again.

"To you," he said then softly.

(◡‿◡✿) ******************* (✿◡‿◡)

Hours went by and the First Open Christmas Ball was coming to its end. More and more people retreated home, mostly families with young children. Andromeda and Teddy left an hour ago, the boy sleeping on his grandmother's shoulder. Harry had walked them out till the gates and promised to visit before New Year's Eve. On his way back to the castle, the Saviour was almost overrun by Mrs. Malfoy. Shoving her arm through her fur coat, the furious looking woman rushed by the Gryffindor most likely not even recognizing him.

"Mrs. Malfoy?" Harry shouted after her and when recognizing his voice she stopped, the green eyed wizard rushed up to her.

"Is everything alright, Mrs. Malfoy?" asked the Boy Who Lived carefully.

"Alright, Mr. Potter?" She sneered and her fury resembled her sister's. Not as insane, but close. "Nothing is alright, thanks to you. You know you broke wizarding traditions and while you might have been brought up by Muggles, my son was not! These traditions mean a lot to my family."

Harry regarded the woman for a few seconds then gulped back his irritation.

"I don't understand why it is so terrible, that your son actually met his wife before you forced him to marry her. You should be happy that they actually like each other and don't tear out each other's throats."

"Nothing in your little shenanigan makes me happy, Mr. Potter." She spat his name as if it were venom. "And consider yourself lucky, that I am not tearing your throat out."

"That will be enough, Narcissa," a velvety voice spoke behind them. Harry didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"I should have known your hands were in this too, Severus," she hissed looking at the man with a contemptuous sneer. "You've been against it from the very beginning, after all."

"Of course I was against marrying my godson off to a stranger," he huffed as if the notion itself would be ridiculous. "Draco is finally happy and I admit that is worth more to me than the Malfoy name."

"Traditions are still traditions, Severus. I do not expect you or Mr. Potter here to understand that."

"Leave him out of this," Snape said softly but the threat was evident to all ears present.

The blond woman raised an eyebrow but the Gryffindor was quicker to react.

"No," he said, looking at the Headmaster first than back at the witch. "Don't leave me out of it. It's my fault, or merit really that they know each other. If you want to blame someone, blame me, not Draco, and not even the professor. You won't call off the wedding, because you need the Greengrass family more than you care about traditions. Your husband is still in prison," Harry said and Narcissa paled lightly – not because she was embarrassed but because she was angry, "and they can help to restore your name and your family. I remember when you helped me on these grounds," Harry pointed towards the Forest and the witch's gaze followed his outstretched hand, "just so you could get back to your son. You don't want to lose him over something like this."

Narcissa visibly shrunk; mentioning the battle caused her arrogance to deflate.

"What does it matter that they know each other? They are happy and they will be married next summer. You'll have your family back, Mrs. Malfoy, let me remind you that for some of us, that is not possible. Draco is not just the heir of the Malfoy name, he is also your son, don't forget that."

Narcissa's eyes wandered blindly from one wizard to the other. Snape touched her arm softly and steered her back towards the castle. "Go to him, Narcissa. Go to your son and meet your daughter-in-law. She is a fine woman."

She went up the stair as if in a trance, slowly, putting one leg after the other almost mechanically. When Kreacher appeared in front of her and offered to take her coat she stopped suddenly, waking up from her mesmerized state. Mrs. Malfoy looked back and nodded strictly at the two raven haired men, then tossed her fur at the old elf who disappeared with it.

"Draco owes you a lot," Severus said softly.

Harry shook his head. "He doesn't owe me anything."

As if on beat, they both started walking towards the nearby bushes, behind which the Lake glimmered in the moonlit night. Hermione's colourful lights shined all around them as the snow fell, covering the school ground in powdered sugar.

"I wish we were alone and I could dance with you," the Gryffindor sighed overwhelmed by his professor's presence once again. He couldn't help it; he needed to say the words before he would explode. "I kept thinking about you all evening."

"I watched you," came the answer – the tone dark, the voice trembling. "I couldn't take my eyes off of you."

Harry laughed. "We're horrible at this," whispered the Chosen One. "How will we keep this a secret for six more months? I can barely hold back my hands."

"Then don't," Snape suggested as they reached a part where the bushes were so thick, no one could see through them.

And the Gryffindor reached out. He grabbed the man by his robes and pulled him to his lips. He kissed hungrily already knowing this wouldn't be enough. He needed more – they both needed more, what more, everything. Stroking wildly with his tongue the Saviour kissed his lover as hands sneaked around his waist and caressed his back. It was demanding and burning and bruising while it lasted but it couldn't last long and when students went by near them laughing cheerfully, they parted stepping away but still unable to let go. Green and black eyes connected and Harry caressed the lean man's side, while panting fast.

"I've wanted to do that all evening," he gasped, trying to even his breathing. "Ever since I saw you at the Entrance Hall."

Severus, always the more careful one, looked around before he nodded agreeing. "Will you pay me a visit tonight?"

He was blushing, Harry noticed with amusement, although it might have been only the fresh, cold air that burned his own cheeks as well. But whatever it was, it coloured the pale skin and now it was almost rosy. Fingers caressed the hair on his nape but as he silently acquiesced with a soft bob of his head, they tightened on his skin and pulled him in another searing kiss.

"Fuck... Harry..." Severus moaned desperately into his mouth, pressing their bodies closer. Harry knew, whatever happened between them that night, it would be intense like any other aspect of their relationship. His body keened, lusted after this man.

This time it was the Chosen One who pulled away but he needed all his Gryffindor determination to do it. If he didn't do so now, he wouldn't be able later. He straightened Severus' robes, flattening the tiniest lines, he said to himself. He was most definitely not just caressing the wizard's swiftly rising and falling chest.

Severus closed his black eyes and swallowed firmly. Just as Harry, he needed to calm himself, to suppress his needs so that they could survive the rest of the evening without incident. They headed back inside the castle, strolling next to one another without a word, keeping the distance but longing to reach out and touch.

They stepped through the doors of the Great Hall, Severus letting Harry pass first; his guiding touch on the Gryffindor's waist softer than silk went unnoticed. People were laughing around the dance floor, no one paid them even a fleeting glance and they were grateful for it. They parted with a last glance and both went to their own table.

Harry found his empty so he turned towards the dancing couples only now realizing what caused the laughter. Most of the couples were same-sex. Madame Maxime was leading Minerva, almost spinning her in the air, while George had his hands around Neville, looking at the young hero with the strictest gaze Harry had ever seen. It took only a second for the redhead to break and he laughed, while Neville lightened up too now that he didn't need to be afraid of sibling revenge. Harry walked closer, watching his friends: Hermione and Astoria, Ginny and Luna, Ron and Malfoy – of all people, Hagrid and Professor Flitwick and many others, all dancing merrily. Cameras snapped but everyone just laughed indifferent to the flashes.

The ginger and the blond stopped instantly when they noticed Potter.

"What's going on," Harry asked the second Malfoy arrived close enough.

"Relax, mate," reacted Ron.

"You promised you wouldn't ruin this night," the Gryffindor warned him.

"I'm not ruining it, Potter," Draco smirked. "Everyone is having fun," with that the maddening blond grasped Harry's hand and pulled him onto the floor as well. Before Harry could say an indignant word, or even just pull out his wand, his hands were on the crazy young man: one in his hand, the other on the shoulder.

"What the f-" Harry hissed. The crowed swept them away and he was dancing all of a sudden with no other than Draco Bloody Malfoy.

"Calm down, Potter. Someone will be here in a second demanding your hand, if he still has even a miniscule of intelligence left, which given he'll be asking for your hand, I highly doubt."

Not understanding a word of what the wizard just said and still rather perplexed of the sudden happenings, Harry just stared at the Slytherin as questioningly as he could. And let himself be lead.

"This isn't a prank, Potter," explained the Malfoy heir. "This is me, offering you truce. A, shall we say, parting gift, something to remember in the next months when we will be doing nothing else just study and be good and exemplary and incredibly tedious and bored."

Harry still wasn't sure he understood why on Merlin's beard was Hermione waltzing next to her with Professor Sprout. Then a hand appeared on Draco's shoulder, long and narrow fingers clasped into the silver grey robes and they stopped moving. With a last nod, as if thanking Harry for something, the blond stepped away and a tall dark man took his place.

"This is reckless," stated Severus as he placed a hand on Harry's shoulder blade.

"This is madness," breathed the Gryffindor as he clasped the man's shoulder.

"This is insane," both of them whispered as their hands enfolded and they followed the other couples into the depth of the floor. The music was soft and slow, the people were laughing around them, dresses twirled, robes snapped in the swift turns. The lighting was dimmed, just a couple of candles and Hermione's colourful lights twinkled above them but no one needed light to follow the beat. Endless ink black gaze watched the Gryffindor Golden boy, warm and intense, but all Harry could understand that thanks to some Christmas miracle – or really just a blond Christmas elf – he was dancing with Severus at last.

The music changed into faster waltz. His heart beating a much more rapid rhythm, Harry danced not noticing that the scenery around them started to change slowly, too. First came Astoria and Draco, followed by Ron and Hermione with her new ring sparkling on her finger, but not brightly enough to over-shine her loving smile. Arthur and Molly, Ginny and Neville, Hagrid and Olympe, real couples waltzed with them, all seemingly moving to the same choreography as the one that led them on step by step. Turning and turning, dancing in circles yet never getting even slightly dizzy, Harry kept his eyes on the endless gaze and let his partner lead him in this grandiose and vibrant yet beautiful music.

Their fast tempo, the continuous turning washed away the faces around them and soon the ball turned into a masquerade with their true selves hidden among the other mysterious dancers. Violins played soft and playful, trumpets blared and cymbals clapped and they revolved around the dance floor in an endless chase. Drumsticks came down hard on plastic and Severus let go for a moment, spinning Harry around his own axis but he moved forwards already, the dynamic beat carrying them onwards and though they didn't get any closer, the Gryffindor had never felt this intimate with anyone.

As quick as it came and as grand as it was, it ended in a heartbeat and emptiness filled their hearts. Bent slightly back, holding on tightly to Severus, Harry watched as vigilance and caution returned to the black eyes. A sigh vibrated through all the dancers and he suspected he wasn't the only one feeling lost for a second, even though his right hand was still held by his partner. The Gryffindor Golden Boy didn't know where to head next, he was like a ballerina in a music box: without the melody he couldn't move.

They straightened and the Headmaster, holding their joined hands up slightly, bowed in front of him. Guests left the floor, but Harry still returned the gesture, grasping into the last of the straws before this last dance ended.

But as everything, their time on the dance floor was over and so was the First Open Christmas Ball in Hogwarts. However before Severus let go of the greened eyed young man's hand, his thumb brushed the soft skin again. He walked past the still rapidly breathing wizard and whispered so that no one would hear him, "Come after one."

And at that moment, as excitement rushed through his whole body, the Gryffindor Golden Boy realized, their dance was still far from over.

(◡‿◡✿) ******************* (✿◡‿◡)

Hogwarts emptied quickly after the Ball had ended. Witches and wizards took their family members and left either with portkeys or through the Floo system. Apparition was only possible out of Hogwarts Grounds still, but many chose that option as the night was still quiet and beautiful and they had no problem with a small stroll to reach the Main Gates. The snow fell in huge flakes and after the drinks and the Castle's warmness, it didn't even seem so cold outside. Carriages came for the Muggles to take them to Hogsmeade, where the Hogwarts Express surely awaited them in the midst of mist and smoke. But the Knight Bus too was there, waiting for those who wished to be home sooner rather than later. Some wizards, like the Weasleys decided to help the magicless people and apparated them straight in front of their homes. Ron and Hermione were the ones who took home Mr. and Mrs. Granger, both looked still awestruck from all the magic they had witness. They looked like children as they turned their backs on the great castle, innocent smile on their faces. They both beamed at their daughter, proud of their little witch. Harry hugged them goodbye too then stayed at the gates watching as the swarm of redheads and the Grangers disappeared one by one.

Not far from him, Headmaster Snape – Severus, whispered the voice now impatiently – was directing some Ministry officials who helped the Muggles home. Folding his arms against the cold, Harry watched as the professor snapped at a man, twice his size for most likely making a rude comment. Snape raised an eyebrow and the Golden Boy had to admit, he looked intimidating. The man too must have thought so because he shrunk slightly under the harsh gaze and nodded submissively. Severus – the voice giggled in Harry's head now – looked around searching for anyone in need of some help. No one seemed to be in any distress at the moment and obsidian eyes connected with green over the heads of many people. Snape rolled his eyes, he seemed exhausted at that moment and Harry smiled at him kindly. He couldn't wait to hold the man in his arms, take off those heavy robes and make the wizard relax.

Well. Not relax, to be precise – there would be some exercise involved, Harry grinned to himself as he turned towards Hogwarts and slowly walked back inside.

As one o'clock drew closer Harry felt more and more excited and restless in the warm Common Room. Not many people decided to stay for the holidays, even less were still around and not in bed. Not that the Chosen One had eyes for anyone – or really, anything – besides the old grandfather clock in the corner. At forty-five sharp, he donned his Invisibility Cloak and ran out of the tower. The Fat Lady's cry of "Who is it?" followed him but he didn't care. He just ran and ran, until he stood in front of a stone statue with a wildly beating heart.

The gargoyle sensed him and it moved away however, his stoic marble face showed a grin this time. Harry expected a derisive word or maybe some encouragement, but nothing came. The gargoyle, like the castle itself, remained utterly silent.

As he walked up the stairs, every step set a new doubt in his mind. What was he doing? Meeting Snape in the middle of the night? His own Headmaster! In the man's office? He had just helped Snape – Severus begged the voice inside him but he stayed strong – Snape regain his office, his temporary leave forgotten by the Board of Governors after this successful evening! Was he really about to ruin that all by starting a surely illegal relationship with Snape? Was this even a start of a relationship or just something more... carnal?

By that last thought he arrived to the top of the spiralling staircase. His doubts seemed to have been frozen in his mind as he saw the heavy wood door stood slightly ajar. A spear of orange light reached to the tip of his shoe like a guiding sign. He moved slowly towards the door, and then placed his hand softly on it. The wood was unexpectedly cold against his fingers, though the air in the entrance wasn't all that cool. He slowly pushed open the door and the orange light suddenly filled his vision.

Severus was there, right behind his desk, his shoulder propped against the dark frame of the window, staring outside, and waiting. It was clear, when he gave a long sigh that the Golden boy wasn't the only one having doubts. Emerald eyes roamed the room he had gotten to know so well in the past years. Former Headmasters and Headmistresses watched him back. There was tension in the room, almost tangible as he shed the Cloak. Leaning his back against the door, he closed it and let his body rest against the cool wood.

"Good evening, professor," said the Gryffindor, his eyes not on the dark Headmaster but on twinkling blue eyes above him. There was determination in his own green ones, a certain mutinous defiance.

Severus finally turned around and it didn't escape him where the Chosen One was currently looking.

"Mr. Potter," said the Slytherin softly to draw the other's attention to his person.

Harry's gaze shifted immediately, but he didn't move from the door. Snape on the other hand stepped away from the window. He didn't go far; he just went around his desk and leant against it, crossing his arms on his chest. That moment, the black haired man looked like an impregnable fortress. Stern, defensive, lips thin, jaw tight.

"I don't..." The Saviour had to clear his throat to sound human and not like a troll. "I'm... glad today went so well. I'm glad you can keep your job. That's really good." He said carefully, his eyes wandering warily on the portraits over them.

"You may speak freely, Mr. Potter. My predecessors had been eavesdropping on many of my conversations with Draco, who, as you may have guessed, had not been this cautious." Severus told him. "They are aware of my interest."

Harry nodded. That meant they didn't know about the Great Hall and the Infirmary, just that they were both considering their options.

"I don't want to get you fired," stated the Saviour firmly. "I can wait if this means you can lose your position or worse." Harry shrugged. "It won't be easy. I mean, I'm already of age and I only came back because I wanted to – if I stopped attending tomorrow, I'd still probably be enlisted in the Auror Forces. That would be a temptation I would need to... overcome, of course. With many others. But I could do it."

Albus stood up from his chair in his portrait. The Slytherin looked at the old wizard. "Just as I predicted. Always the one willing to self-sacrifice." Snape moved forward and as he closed in on the Chosen One, green eyes followed the old silver haired former Headmaster usher the other pictures of wizards and witches from their portraits. "The problem is, Potter," Severus whispered darkly when he stood in front of Harry, "that I am not a Gryffindor. Self-sacrifice is not in my nature. As I see it, and hence as Albus and all the others will see it, you are a grown man, destroyer of the greatest evil of this century. A mere human like me will not control you. If you want to be in my office, you will be whether I want it or not."

He softly placed a hand on the door and loomed over the Saviour. Though the gesture was soft, his presence still felt intimidating to the young man though he suspected the pressure wasn't directed at him but at the once living professors who were now slowly edging out of their frames.

Snape watched from the corner of his eyes as Albus, the last of the portraits, slithered out with a final glance at them. Then he turned his intense gaze back on the Chosen One. Harry was breathing fast, confused, hopeful and excited all at the same time. He nodded to the former Potions Master to continue.

"Whatever happens beyond this door will not leave this office and will not happen anywhere else just here. There will be rules," the headmaster listed. "You cannot stay the night, unless your absence will not be detected. You will talk to no one, no one, about this until you have left the school and even after that, you will not mention when exactly this had started. The Board must never know that we were having this affair while your education was still taking place under my supervision. You are not to-"

The deep voice faded out as Harry slowly comprehended what Snape just insinuated. After his education was over. After he left the school. It seemed the Gryffindor Golden Boy wasn't the only one thinking long-term here.

"Shh," hissed the brave young man, placing his finger in front of thin lips that moved under his touch for a moment longer. Then they stopped more astounded than ever. Harry disregarded the thought that most likely this was the first time he had ever interrupted his professor. "We're alone," he grinned then. As he removed the fingers, he caressed the soft lips. He watched almost in awe as they opened again to form words.

"And most importantly, the rule you must follow above all," Snape breathed, and Harry gulped heavily, his eyes still stuck on the lips he wanted to taste again, though he knew he should be looking up into endless pools of obsidian. "Be absolutely certain of what you want before you move even one more muscle. If we cross this bridge, it will be a different world, and we cannot come back from there."

The Chosen One was, in fact more certain, than he had been all day or probably in his entire life. He extended his hands and his palms shifted on flat abdomen. He moved away from the door and closer to Snape, overcoming that immense distance that still stretched between them: a foot and a half now reduced to just a half.

The Saviour of the Wizarding World whimpered as he curved his body towards the man he needed to feel more than air itself.

"Let me make myself clear, Potter," groaned the older wizard, voice deep like the rasping of an old ebony's trunk. "Be sure wh-"

Harry leaned forward and kissed Severus softly before he could say anything else. The voice inside his head purred, his groin yearned, his body trembled as he held the thin lower lip between his own. Snape leaned away, determined to make the Chosen One choose wisely.

"If you change your mind tomorrow morning or next week or next month I will not be here for you anymore, do you understand? The portraits are willing to overlook this because you are of age and you are Harry Fucking Potter. But the rest of the world will not. And they are not going to come after you, Potter, but me. The moment this becomes public, my position will be at risk. I'm willing to take that risk only if you are absolutely certain about this."

Harry considered what was just said, knowing that there was some other meaning behind Severus' words. This wasn't just about doubt of starting a relationship, Snape was a headmaster too. He needed powerful allies to stay in his position and Harry would be one. The Chosen One was also perfectly aware of his professor's nature. Holding grudges and being cruel to people who had hurt him wasn't an alien conception to the man.

"What you're saying... that's bullshit," said the Saviour firmly. "No matter what happens between us, I'll always respect you and therefore help you keep your position."

"You no doubt will, but I will not be able or willing to work with you," stated the former spy.

"We make it work," smiled the young man, but Snape wasn't convinced.

"I mean it, Potter. You know of my intentions, you know what I want to do to you," groaned the headmaster wildly. "I will suck your cock, I will lick your arse and I will fuck you 'til you scream and that will change our relationship. We can still chose to disregard the attraction," Snape let out a small laughter as if not even he believed that to be true. "And stay as we are now: in mutual respect, someday even friendship."

Harry had to laugh at that, though he knew that would not help his situation. He grasped into the heavy robes more strongly now. "You think I can just... what? Forget that I want you? Ignore the need to touch you when you're close to me? Shut out the desire to be held by you?" Asked the Chosen One, his tone low and dark. "No fucking way, Severus. I want this and I want it to last. You know that."

"Do I?" Inquired the headmaster but the confession seemed to have softened him. There was a playful tug at the corner of his lips.

"You bloody well should," replied the Saviour huskily as he leant into the older wizard's lips once again. Snape was the one though who kissed him, hungrily and wildly, whatever he had managed to hold back until now was suddenly unleashed. Harry was crushed against the door, excitement overflowing his whole body. Hands were on his neck first, then one slithered down onto his shoulder, grasping it, while the other shifted into his hair. He felt the firm tug as five fingers entangled with his messy curls and pulled his head back to make it easier for the Slytherin to thrust his tongue in his mouth.

It was good, not just good, amazing. Severus' tongue lapped against his own, twisted around it then explored his mouth as if this would be its only chance to do so. Breathless, the Saviour leaned away, drawing his swollen lips over stubbly jaw and piercing cheekbone.

"I want you," whispered the young man, his lips against the older wizard's ear. He breathed out the words in a low tone as if revealing a deep secret, not in fact stating something they were both very well aware of. Snape pressed closer in response, and Harry said, "I need you," as he licked the rim of the shell. Severus' groan, deep and ardent, like the ones he received before the holidays, sent a wild tremor down the Gryffindor's body. He took a deep breath hoping for an anchor, some composure, or really just a moment of peace where he could find out what to do next.

Nothing like that came because he inhaled the former spy's scent. Severus Snape, ex-Death Eater, double agent, snarky and bitter smelled like damn Christmas. Pines and ginger and cinnamon and Harry knew it was only because Snape had visited the House Elves many times during the day, overseeing the kitchen preparations but the smell, so nice and warm and fresh, still made him chuckle. He dragged his nose along the long neck and the collar bones hoping to find the aroma that was truly Snape and nothing else. But no luck, the elegant dress robes had already taken in the Christmas scent.

His fingers moved like tiny spiders as they undid button after button. He brushed the robe aside, not even caring to take it off the man, but the headmaster pushed it off with a shrug of his shoulders. Scorching black eyes followed the Saviour as his fingers and lips moved lower and lower. The Chosen One's palm caressed Severus' chest, fingers dashing over his ribcage. Harry pressed his face to the shirt clad chest and inhaled again but the Christmas scent was still present.

"Not enough," he murmured keenly as his hands returned to the other set of buttons. He tugged out the dress shirt from Snape's pants, his moves more and more impatient. When he was finished unbuttoning it, he pushed that away too while Severus watched him with swiftly rising chest. The Gryffindor knew somehow that the man was smiling when the Saviour buried his nose in the slightly hairy chest. He was closer now, the Christmas scent was faint, and there was something else but not enough to be identified.

So he licked the smooth skin in order for better analysis. He dragged his wet tongue on the salty skin as if it would be the most delicious ice cream. Scraping it with his canine, he left behind a wet trace as he skimmed the warm chest then he reached a nipple and the former spy let out a gasp even before Potter took the sensitive little nub between his lips and slowly slipped the tip of his tongue over it, playing with it, teasing the older wizard just as he always did.

When the Chosen One dropped to his knees, Severus looked all of a sudden helpless. Even though Harry was the one on his knees, the older wizard looked so keen, so in need that Harry almost felt sorry for him and reached out to give him what he desired so much, forgetting about what he himself was looking for. Instead of his hands, he pressed his wide open mouth to Snape's arousal. The man above him groaned and staggered slightly, his eyes closed, his head tilted back. Harry mouthed the firm cock that was still covered by many layers, but even so, a part of the scent managed to escape. This was it, he was close.

He quickly unbuckled the belt, unbuttoned the pants and pulled down the zipper. More eager than ever, fiery onyx eyes watched him as if he was some kind of prey. But he wasn't the prey here; he wasn't the one who would be devoured in a second.

The Gryffindor Golden Boy lifted his mouth only until he pulled the flies out of the way and reached inside a shaking hand to fold it around a piercing erection. The hum of Severus' harsh gasp, which sounded dangerously like "Harry," was muffled by the echo of the young man's own furiously beating heart as he pulled the hardness out. Severus' shaft was dark and lean, just like the man himself and it twitched between his fingers, or maybe his fingers twitched around it, Harry hardly cared.

He could finally feel the scent, taste it even, he realized when he gave an experimental lick to the glistening glans and scooped up a small pearly white drop. Both the Saviour and the Headmaster groaned then Harry opened his mouth a bit wider and slowly slithered the hardness between his lips.

"Fucking hell," moaned the professor over Harry and his tongue gave smaller licks to the lower part of thick member while he was trying to draw it deeper and deeper down his throat. Snape had to lean with one of his hands against the door to steady himself, while the other grasped into the unruly, raven hair. "Merlin, Harry... That's... fucking – ah!"

The young man hummed in response as he finally took the cock in his mouth as deep as he possibly could. He could feel wiry hair tickle his lips and Merlin, his nose was buried in the scent so not like Christmas, but much more darker, more muskier but still fresh, salty, ocean-like. Harry loved it and he groaned deeply when it filled his nose and brain and mouth, it was simply all over his senses. He moved his head slowly at first. He pulled back lightly, while sucking the warm flesh in his mouth and Severus swore again.

The young Gryffindor felt like laughing as he bobbed his head again and again and looked up, trying to see his professor coming apart by ever lustful movement the Chosen One did. He reflected again on how amazing the other man looked. His usually pale skin was now coloured by the candles – orange hue brought a healthier look to it and a thin layer of sweat covered it, making it glimmer lightly. The scars covered the smooth surface like white ink illustrating an old story. Harry reached up with his free hand and caressed the toned abdomen, his fingers roaming the panting chest, tweaking nipples. With his mouth still tightly enclosed around the hard cock, he drew sharp cries from the older man. He loved hearing them – so eager and pleading – yet the man looming over the Saviour still all but radiated power. He fondled Snape's bollocks with his other hand and the Slytherin fell forward, his hand giving up on him. He was now leaning on his forearm, his head pressed to the cool wood, his black eyes like fire burning Harry as they followed each end every movement the young man committed.

All of a sudden, Severus couldn't help himself anymore. Grasping into the hair at Harry's nape, he let his hips thrust forward. Small, fast prods at first, then they became more languid and prolonged, slowly fucking Harry's mouth, whose saliva was now dribbling out of his mouth but he wouldn't take his lips away from the heavy cock. It was maddeningly erotic as he watched Snape hold on to the last of his control and keep up the lazy thrust while he was visibly falling apart.

"God... stop... I..." cried Severus, pushing his head back groaning but not stopping with the unhurried strokes. Harry felt the wizard's whole body tremble and he grasped the base of the long cock just in time to stop the Slytherin from coming.

"I know you said you will be coming deep inside me, but you never said where," said the young man, his voice huskier than ever. "I wouldn't mind finishing this..." He added with a grin as he drew his thumb over the corners of lips, cleaning it. "I'd love to taste all of you."

Severus grabbed his arm and pulled the Chosen One up by it. "You will have the chance," murmured the Headmaster, crushing his lips to Harry's. The kiss was deep and raw and incredibly sinful when Harry thought about where his lips were just a moment ago.

Firm hands roamed the Saviour's body and cupped his arse. They gripped the half globes and pulled him to tall body and he could feel the long cock poking his hip, hard and almost piercing. He came up for air just in time to see his professor pull out his wand and point it at Harry. The next moment a familiar sensation rushed through the young man as he stood, once again, stark naked in front of Headmaster Snape.

"How long have you been planning on doing this?" Asked the Gryffindor while Severus took off the rest of his clothing.

Hungry gaze shifted on Harry's body, taking in every scar, every hollow, and protruding bone. It lingered for a couple of moments longer on his erection then it returned to the green eyes. "Ever since I first saw you like this. You cannot even imagine the temptation."

Potter smirked, moving closer brushing his body against another one. "I think I can," whispered the young man seductively. "Even back then, I wanted to kneel in front of you and take your cock in my mouth," he said then, his eyes fixed on the mentioned member. "Lick it, taste it, suck it..."

"You seem to have a slight obsession with my cock, Harry," replied the Slytherin with a grin, his hand stroking the thick flesh. Harry groaned as his eyes followed the movement of the long fingers.

"Maybe," admitted the Saviour then moved past Snape, looking around the smaller office. When he saw the large desk, he had sat next to so many times, he grinned mischievously and stepped towards it. Upon reaching it, he placed both palms on the middle of the table top. He bent over the old wood that must have seen many things but not what was to come. The Saviour looked back, wiggling his arse lightly.

"You wanton little creature," remarked the Headmaster, eyeing the display.

"Are you coming?" Asked the brave Gryffindor, giving a small slap to his buttock.

"I definitely will be in a couple of minutes," came the answer from the dark man. Severus moved right behind him and one of his hands was immediately sliding on the young man's bare back. The other, holding the black wand was making flicks and brushes in the air. Harry watched as important parchments flew back into the drawer, inkpots moved away and books returned to their shelves.

Snape's left hand slid over his arse, pulling a cheek away. His thumb brushed over puckered skin and Harry shuddered wildly.

"And now, Mr. Potter," started Severus with tone smooth and low, arousing the younger man even more. "Can you recall, what I told you after my godson made your clothing disappear?"

Harry thought, really hard, but all he knew at the moment that the hand on his arse wasn't moving, the fingers weren't pushing inside him, though they should. Severus kissed his nape and his shoulders sweetly but Harry wasn't fooled. Something Slytherin was coming. "No," he gasped.

"I told you to be careful, before Draco pulls the more-"

"Intimate tricks," Harry finished. Oh yes, he remembered that.

"You asked what can be more intimate than spelling away someone's clothes, is that correct, Harry?" Severus asked and the young felt something slide over the cleft of his arse. He tried to look back but he couldn't see anything.

"Yes," the Saviour answered carefully as he braced himself on the desk.

"Well," Snape whispered and Harry could definitely feel a pointy thing at the rim of his arsehole. "How about this?" With that, the professor pushed something thin and long up the Chosen One's bottom.

Harry cried, not in the least from pain. "Is that your wan- oh God! Holy fucking-! Merlin!" The Saviour could feel, literally feel the magic inside him prickling as Snape thought the nonverbal spell. A moment later the wand was withdrawn and thrown on the desk next to the inkpot and quills.

A finger replaced the thin wood and pressed into him almost effortlessly. "For your education, that was a lubricating spell, applied directly at the area that needed to be lubricated," explained the professor.

Harry steadied himself and pressed back lightly. His cock was twitching as he answered, "That was bloody... arousing."

Severus leant to his ears and skimmed the edge of it with the tip of his tongue before he said, "If you like having objects up your arse we can experiment with something less magical next time."

Harry looked over his shoulder and grinned. Wet strands of ink black hair framed his face. "How about we arrange to have your cock up there before we move on to other objects, hm?"

"You cheeky brat," Severus laughed pushing a third finger inside, "have you not learned your lesson this forenoon?"

The Saviour grunted loudly as he felt the fingers stretch his muscles. "When do I ever learn from one lesson," he groaned, rolling his hips.

"How true," laughed Severus, curving his fingers slightly inside Harry's hot canal. A sharp jet of intense pleasure shot through the young body and the Saviour cried lustfully.

"There!" panted the Chosen one. "Oh god... please... there...again!"

"Such eloquence in these moments will not help you, Harry. I need clear instructions," came the smug reply as the three fingers brushed the Gryffindor's sensitive prostate again.

Harry keened, his breathing almost only sharp intakes of air, his hands fisting on the table top. "Fuck me," he ordered weakly, "Severus... fuck... fingers... whatever."

Another laugh was issued behind him as fingers grasped The Gryffindor's hip. Severus pressed his whole body against the young man, his hard cock, already wet with lube, pulsed against Harry's buttock. "Fingers? Or you want my cock?" Asked the velvety, lush voice, while the three fingers relentlessly massaged the little nub of hypersensitive tissue deep inside the Chosen one.

"Cock... ah fuck...! Fuck me... with your cock... please!" Pleaded the young wizard coming apart, his own member straining for attention too, weeping to be touched. "Just get the fuck inside me," he shouted lost in desperate desire.

First Harry felt the lips on his shoulder curve and then press a small kiss into his heated skin. Then Severus removed his hand, grasped the base of his cock and positioned himself at the entrance. Even the headmaster couldn't help it, he cried ardently as the head of his cock pressed through the tight rim of the young wizard's arsehole.

"Bloody fucking-" Snape groaned as he grasped Harry's hips and started pushing further in with slow strokes.

The young tried his best to relax and let the hard erection slide deeper inside him but the thought itself, the very fact that Severus Snape, ex-Death Eater, former double agent, previous Head of Slytherin House was fucking his Gryffindor arse made him so close to climaxing that he had to clench down with all his muscles not to.

"Relax," Severus breathed against his ear and moaned wildly.

"Not helping," groaned the Chosen One pushing his ass back. "I'm going to... fuck... I'm going to come."

Snape thrust forward harder, clearly an involuntarily move, a reaction to the lustfully moaned confession but it pushed Harry immediately to the very edge. But Severus, always the one to think fast and act even faster, grasped the Gryffindor's red, throbbing cock at the base strongly enough to make his young lover cry out with a mix of pain and pleasure. They stood like this for a couple more minutes; their bodies weren't moving just Severus' hand caressed the shaking wizard in front of him softly.

"I think, I'm good..." Harry moaned then. "Do it... do it now. And fast."

Before he even uttered the last word, Severus shoved fully inside him, his arm across Harry's chest, steadying the raven haired man.

The Chosen One cried out, a soft burst of laughter breaking out of him in gasps as he finally felt the long shaft filling up his insides fully. Lips descended on his nape again, Severus was smiling too. He turned his head looking for those luscious lips. The Slytherin slid his palm up on Harry's chest until he reached his sweaty neck. His fingers tightened there as he made the Saviour arch his body back slightly and turned his head even more aside. Harry, green eyes closed but mouth open, waited for the kiss but what he got was a tongue sliding slowly inside his mouth. Potter groaned when he sensed that the slow stroking thrusts of the cock in his arse were in rhythm with the wet tongue sliding in out of his mouth.

"I want to fuck you hard, Harry," whispered Severus between their slow kisses. "I want to see you scratch lines into this wood. I want to see you leave your mark here the same way you left it on me."

A shouted "Yes," was all Harry could press out before he was bent forcefully on the tabletop. He leaned on his forearm as Snape started fucking him in earnest. As he grasped into the edge of the table, the clumsy Saviour knocked over a pot of ink and the black substance poured all over the desk but he couldn't afford to care. Hands came down on both his side as the firm body behind him smashed against his. Snape palmed right into the thick onyx substance but it didn't seem to bother him for even a moment. Harry almost fell completely over the desk from the hard, prolonged pounding before Severus grasped one of his wrist and given he was leaning over Harry, he practically nailed the young man there. The Saviour grasped the man's arm with his left, realizing only too late that meant covering it in black too. He watched almost mesmerized as the smooth glistening ink trickled down on the hairy arm, and concealed the faintly still visible Dark Mark.

Arms covered in black ink, Harry turned back, hoping to see the ink black eyes. Severus pressed his head to the Chosen One's forehead, pearls of sweat gleaming on both of them. Something tickled Harry's shoulder and seeing it only from the corner of his eyes he thought for a moment he managed to get some ink there too but it was just wet, raven hair. The thought was gone, his mind, in fact, was gone, when Severus found his prostate again and aimed his thrusts so that the head of his cock would brush against the sensitive spot with ever faster, deep strokes.

Shouting incoherently but loudly, the Saviour begged for release. Severus moved his inky palm over Harry's smooth chest, drawing a line over the nicely toned young body. The drawing was short and rather abstract and ended when the Slytherin grasped the Savour's hard cock and started stroking it with the same maddening tempo with which he was fucking the glorious arse of the glorious Boy Who Lived.

And Harry came right away. With a last cry of "Severus!" he spurted his seed onto the seemingly depthless pool of blackness as his body and his senses were overtaken by blinding lust and excitement and satisfaction. All his muscles tensed at the same moment and he fell forward onto the tabletop, Severus following him grunting his name and shooting his hot come deep inside the Saviour of the Wizarding World, just as he had promised.

They lay on each other for a few minutes, panting and not comprehending the world around them. Then Severus slid out slowly and Harry groaned one last time. The green eyed wizard straightened himself, his knees buckling like a fresh born deer's. Severus pulled him to his chest, not that he was in any better shape but together they managed to stay upright.

Obsidian eyes looked over them, and then an elegant eyebrow rose. "We need to get that off you," groaned the man but it seemed to Harry that he wasn't completely against the idea of seeing the young Gryffindor covered in something other than clothes. Harry too looked down on himself. His forearms and one side of his front too were covered in the black ink and it was still streaming down on one of his legs. Severus looked only slightly cleaner. Some of the ink from Harry stained his chest too when they previously helped each other to their feet but his arms were just as bad as Harry's. The dark ink stood in contrast with the pale skin and Harry liked the view very much indeed.

He smiled teasingly, and touched his palm to the fresh ink on the table, before he dragged it across Severus' chest. The older wizard watched as the Gryffindor draw five long lines down his torso. He looked pleased when Harry left a handprint just over his groin. "Mine," stated the young.

"Get in the bathroom right now," ordered the professor in a deep husky voice.

Harry snapped up his gaze from his mark and watched the other surprised for a moment.

"Wait, there's a bathroom here." He looked around expecting a door to suddenly pop up but the well known office remained the same.

Severus laughed though. "Of course there is. Right next to the bedroom."

Reproachful green eyes stared into the endless onyx orbs.

"There's a bed? Then why on earth did we do it on the desk?" Harry asked not quite able to bring himself to be angry.

Severus waved with his hand nonchalantly as he walked to one of the bookcases and pulled out a yellow, tattered volume. "So that every day, when you're not here, I can sit in my chair and remember how you came on my desk, screaming my name," answered the headmaster, as the bookcase moved away, revealing a comfortable looking sitting room behind it.

"Oh," Harry grinned smugly, strutting towards his lover. "Not that I was complaining."

"Of course," Severus smiled closing the entrance behind them.

(◡‿◡✿) ******************* (✿◡‿◡)

Something pecked The Saviour's hand and to-whood into his ears. That was most certainly not Headmaster Snape or if it was, the man had some weird kinks. He opened his eyes looking for his glasses. The owl next him hooted again. There was a small pocket attached to its leg and a wet, slightly still snowy Daily Prophet right next to it on the nightstand. Its arrival wasn't a mystery anymore.

The Chosen One's first instinct was to search his pocket for money but he quickly realized he was stark naked.

The owl hooted again, this time a bit more impatiently.

"First drawer," said a sleepy voice next to him, deeper and more croaked than any time before, counting in the times when it was lust filled and seductive on purpose. Harry suddenly wanted the bird out as soon as possible.

He found a couple of Sickles and put them in the bird's pouch, who then to-whited happily and quickly flew back out into the snowfall through the chimney.

Severus snuggled closer, clearly not fully awake and draped a hand across the Saviour's tired body. Harry stretched out, kissed the black head softly then took the Prophet in his hand.

He made a noise that couldn't be described by any means. It was a mix of a snort and a groan with a hint of a surprised hick. Severus's head rose from the pillow upon hearing the sound, mostly suspecting that a wild creature had found refuge in his bedroom from the cold outside.

"Severus...," said the Chosen One carefully. "I think you should see this..."

"What?" Groaned the man sitting up.

"We made front page," Harry answered trying not to laugh or cry. He still couldn't decide which he wanted more.

Snape had his priorities, so he kissed Harry first then turned his attention to the paper too.

The Daily Prophet, most well-known in the Wizarding World, the one paper which usually even the most secluded wizard could get a hand on, now portrayed Severus Snape and Harry Potter merrily dancing among other couples on its front page. They twirled and twisted on the picture dancing a never ending waltz, so obviously lost in each other, Harry was surprised there wasn't someone already pounding on Snape's office door.

The headline was, "Muggles in Hogwarts!" and right below it the subhead read, "Slytherin Headmaster, Gryffindor changes".

Harry looked at his lover who seemed somewhere between horrified and scandalized. "Severus Snape (38), youngest Headmaster ever to occupy the important position let the reporters inside the well guarded iron gates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," read Harry the article. "The first Annual Open Christmas Gala (originally proposed by none other than our favourite national hero, Harry Potter) held yesterday in the ancient Castle was hosted not just for the Wizarding Community. Headmaster Snape introduced a new reform where non-magical parents or legal guardians and immediate relatives of the students of Hogwarts where also allowed to visit the Christmas celebration. Upon questioned why he had broken one of the most important rules of the School, the Headmaster answered, 'This will be our first Christmas after a very dark period and it calls for celebration. Unity is important in our school and many of our students with Muggle parentage wished to attend this celebration. Why show favouritism towards those with only magical ancestry? Is it not the very thing we have been fighting against all along the war?' Contrary to rumours, Harry Potter (18) seemed to be a great supporter of the young Headmaster and his unconventional changes. 'They had their disagreement prior to the war, but I can assure you Mr. Potter and Professor Snape share a mutual amity nowadays,' said Professor Minerva McGonagall (83). When we asked the Deputy Headmistress what she thought about the great changes she promptly answered, 'I wholeheartedly support them.' Unfortunately we could not ask more from the respected witch as she was swept away by Headmistress Olympe Maxime for a slow waltz. But is it truly just friendship between the two heroes of our Wizarding Community, one might ask upon seeing some of the pictures of the Headmaster and Mr. Potter. Not just once was Professor Snape spotted having intimate conversation with Mr. Potter (see on pg. 2) or kindly holding the Saviour's godson while the young man welcomed the boy's grandmother (see on pg. 3). Was their waltz just a jolly stunt to entertain their guests or can we finally see Gryffindor and Slytherin House unite? (see full article on pg 2-6)." Harry cleared his throat and opened the newspaper.

The moving evidence of their not just amity stared right back at him on the next page right away. With Teddy on his arm, Severus watched him with a kind smile while Harry's attention was focused on Andromeda. He showed the picture to the Headmaster.

"I never looked at you like that," he snorted then turned around burrowing himself under soft, warm blankets.

Harry looked at the loving expression once more then dropped the paper onto the ground. He snuggled to Severus craving the other wizard's warmness. "It's not that bad. It can help us."

"And just how exactly would it help me that the community learned that I bedded one of my students?"

"Oh, they don't know that," smiled the Gryffindor his lips sliding against the older wizard's ear. "They only know that I support you, that you care for me, that we 'share a mutual amity' and that we can waltz very nicely. It could help when we become public."

Severus turned around under the covers and fought his way across the myriad of plies of the blanket between them before he could sneak a cold hand on Harry's hip and slither closer to the young man.

"So your plan is to let the rumours spread, let everyone believe that there is more than what meets the eyes and when you finally leave this school you will just suddenly say... what exactly?"

"Oh I won't yet say anything," Harry grinned giving a kiss to the long nose. "They will spot us in Leaky Cauldron, sharing a meal or a pint. Then a few days later in Diagon Ally, strolling. There will be a few photos about us in Hogsmeade too."

"Oh so we will be dining in the Three Broomstick next summer? Shall I make the reservations?" Severus arched an eyebrow.

"Dining? Yeah, I guess we could do that too. I was thinking more on the line of snogging in the Hog's Head. You know, less people, more privacy."

"Privacy? The photo will be in the Daily Fucking Prophet," snorted the professor, planting kisses along Harry's jaw.

"The Witch Weekly," corrected the Gryffindor. "We have to keep the Prophet out of it until the announcement. Maybe during a big Ministry Gala? I don't know, we'll figure it out... something will come up."

"You thought it all out, didn't you?" Asked the Slytherin climbing over the young wizard.

"Been thinking about it for a while now, yes," Harry admitted grinning up at the man. His morning erection only hardened even more when Severus sat snugly onto his groin, rubbing himself to the Chosen One with small rolls of his hips.

They sighed in union, eyes roaming on their naked bodies, hands sliding leisurely on chest, thighs arms and shoulders.

"So, six more months then?"

"Shouldn't be a difficulty," said Severus as he leant over him, his ink black hair cascading forward. "We both have kept secrets longer than that."

(◡‿◡✿) ******************* (✿◡‿◡)

Many miles away, in a comfortable and warm room of the Malfoy Manor, a blond Slytherin had just finished reading the article in the Daily Prophet. He was smiling, which generally would have indicated he was up to something bad. This time however, his smile meant, he was up to something wicked.

People always said friends were for good times and bad times, but Draco Malfoy was more concerned about the boring times. After all, he couldn't let his friend's new relationship sink to boredom now, could he? Surely with a bit of caution, these pranks could easily go on for a couple more months.

(◡‿◡✿) ******************* (✿◡‿◡)

The End

I would like to thank each and every one of you for reading this story! When i started writing it I didnt know you guys will enjoy it so much, but the responses were amazing and I'm just delighted to see your comments on it!
I do hope the smut was worth waiting for and that the last chapter met your expectations :3
I'll be coming back with a new story shortly, until then, feel free to approach me with any questions or remarks. Oh and while browsing Tumblr's snarry tag, I accidentally came across a reclist and this story was on it, and dear person, if you're reading this, you have no idea how happy i was when I saw that *‿*