Christmas is over but I still have one last gift for all of you! Thank you all for sticking with me during this year too, and I hope you will enjoy this final chapter.

Mini Italian-English Dictionary: polizia - police / mio amici - my friends / mio diletto - my Darling / passione - passion / zia - aunt / mio - my / mio bello - my beauty

Chapter Eighteen: What Goes Around

o.O.o

They waited next to the pool for the police to send home everyone. Antonio came by to tell Ettore how sorry he was and to let him know that Bernardo was already in secure holding. They made sure to lock him up both in the muggle and the magical way.

By the time the police and the guests cleared as well and it was only the four of them once again, midnight was approaching. Yet it seemed none of them was the least bit tired. They were sitting outside. Ettore, Severus and Draco were drinking the Champagne at the table, while Potter was lazily petting Orsetto on the ground. The cats were nowhere to be seen, though Rajah had only recently left – he was keeping company to Ettore as if sensing that something was not alright.

"We should head home early tomorrow," Potter suggested not looking away from the fluffy fur ball.

"You know that thing is not coming with us, right?" Draco warned him, eyeing the animal and Potter suspiciously.

"Hagrid would be overjoyed to have a little beast like that," Severus noted. "But I hardly doubt Ettore and the cats would be willing to part with their sheep."

"Absolutely no," Ettore smiled. "The dog stays. And you can too. I will have some business with polizia, but you are more than welcome to stay the whole day, mio amici."

Severus shook his head. "No, we will head home. I have some paperwork to do. And I am sure these two are behind with their gradings as well."

"Are you coming to England anytime soon?" Harry asked Ettore, who just shrugged.

"I do not know. I have a whole new collection to create and a new show to plan." Gloomily, he added, "I do not think I will have time to visit."

"Can I drop by?" Draco asked. "I'll just bring the tests with me." He said to Severus.

"Absolutely," Cried Ettore smiling. "You must know I would be happy to have you here." He told Draco then he looked at Severus and Harry as well. "The same applies for both of you. You may come any day at any hour."

Slowly, Severus nodded, "And Hogwarts will always welcome you, too."

They talked through the rest of the night as well, Ettore recalling stories of his father and Sergio. If they didn't know what had happened, it would be easy to believe that those two men had once been best of friends. There was a part of Ettore that still hadn't accepted that his surrogate father had betrayed the Serafini family.

The sun was coming up over the hill by the time they got tired of chatting. Severus ordered two hours of rest, then they would leave back to Scotland. He was exhausted himself and looking at Draco and Potter, he knew those two weren't in any better shape either.

Draco went ahead, but Ettore lingered behind for a minute. "Harry, Severus, if I may have a word with you?"

They stood silently under the great fig tree, the fairy lights on it now pale and lifeless as the sun shone brighter and brighter. It was going to be a beautiful day here in Italy and Severus only hoped the clouds would stay away from Hogwarts as well. Returning to work after a weekend like this seemed bleak enough, rain would just make everything even more depressing.

"So what is going to happen to you two?" Ettore asked unabashed.

"What do you mean?" Asked back Potter. "Nothing."

"Nothing, you say?" Ettore echoed quietly, however his gaze was stern when he looked at them. "Look at all what you have achieved. Will you just throw that away?"

"It's not that simple." Potter said.

"It is always that simple." Ettore insisted.

"There is too much at stake." Severus said.

Sighing Ettore turned away then, changing his mind, stepped closer to them instead. "You are fools," he hissed quietly. "And for what? The curse? The school's reputation? Give me one good reason, why you two won't be together."

"You listed two right there," Severus replied.

Ettore stared at him, blue eyes flashing in the morning light. "You are an idiot."

"Excuse me?" Frowned Severus.

Potter was grinning, but Serafini turned to him the next moment and Potter's good mood was gone. "And why do you smile? You are an even bigger idiot, mio diletto. Him I would understand; he is Headmaster after all. He is worried about his school. Stupid reasons in my opinion, but acceptable. But you, you are blind, foolish and a coward. You had passione when we met, you had fire. No matter if it was charity event or teaching, you enjoyed your life. Then as months went by, you grew dour. Because of him. Because you thought he had slept with me. The idea of losing him to me extinguished the fire in your soul. And what pains me the most is that you stepped away. That you just let it happen. That you did not fight for what you want."

His gaze was hard on Potter, who didn't look away, yet there was nothing he would say either. He didn't protest against the accusations; he didn't even seem like he disagreed with anything Ettore had said.

"You talk about a curse, that you want to break, yet you do nothing against it. Because this is comfortable for you."

Finally, Potter spoke up. "How can you say that? You know I want to be with him."

"Of course you do, Harry. And I want to be with you. Wanting something will not make it happen. You will have to do something about it, too. This curse is the perfect reason for you two. Even though it is nothing more than a stupid reason you get to blame for being a coward."

"That curse exists," said Severus.

"It only exists because you let it," told him Ettore. "It is comfortable for you to say, I cannot do that because of the curse, when in truth, the curse has nothing to do with this. You are just scared, both of you. Because this is just too important and you are scared that you will fuck. It. Up."

"That's not true," said Potter. "We told you already, it's not that simple."

"It is simple, mio Harry. It is you who overcomplicate it." Ettore said. "Life is full of what-ifs, nothing is certain. What if the curse will end your relationship? Well, what if it will not? What if no one finds out? What if-" he asked taking a deep breath, "someone comes along and kisses Severus, when you are not looking, too worried about a curse that may or may not be the end of your non-existent relationship? What if it all will be over before it could start, just because you were too scared?"

"No one will come, Ettore," said Severus with a sigh.

"I did," Ettore answered quietly. "I came and I almost managed to break you up just because you thought there was someone else. The idea itself was like a poison to your hearts. You were willing to give up on him, Severus, did you forget that?"

"What?" Potter cried.

"Oh yes, after your argument at Zia Coco's library, he was willing to step back. I told him, if he refuses to act on his heart's wishes, I will make you mine, mio Harry. His deadline was yesterday."

"Oh but he acted on his hearts wishes," Potter assured the Italian.

"I didn't," said Severus quietly. "I promised you one night."

"Hey, it's okay," Potter said with a soft smile. He stepped closer to Severus. "We had a lot on our minds today. And after what happened to Ettore-"

"What happened to me?" Asked Ettore now louder. "My father is dead. Sergio is dead. Bernardo betrayed me when he stole from me. It shocked me what they have done, but I assure you, Draco will make me forget about it all, in just a few minutes. See, once again, you found an excuse."

"Okay, you know what, this really isn't fair, Ettore." Potter said with passion. "We agreed that we can wait." He entwined his fingers with Severus' before he went on. "Curse or no curse, the rules still apply to both of us. The Board would never allow this, and we don't want to get fired. And that's okay." He finished softer now. "I won't go anywhere, and I trust neither will Severus. And besides, the semester is nearly done. During the summer, we will be free to do anything." He grinned.

"The Board of Governors, huh." Was all Ettore said thoughtfully, then after a moment he shrugged and went on grinning. "I still stand by what I said. I think you two are just too afraid. However, never shall it be said that Ettore Serafini will not admit that he was wrong. I cannot wait for the day you will prove me wrong. I will of course, require some kind of proof. A photo perhaps, of naked, sweaty bodies in golden candle light covered in semen."

"Keep on dreaming," Severus snorted.

"You too, mio bello. Because that is as close as you will get to this body for about two more month." He said as he slapped Harry's ass, then went inside.

o.O.o

Their departure two hours later was uneventful and rather haste. Ettore was due to the police station, and Harry wanted to go back to Hogwarts more than anything. So did Snape it seemed, because they barely had time to say goodbye to their host before they were whisked away by a glowing blue tie. They landed just outside of the gates and Malfoy departed right away, heading towards Hogsmead, saying he had some business to do that involved a lot of Dragonfang or some other beer. Snape and Harry though turned towards the school and started their slow ascend on the winding path.

They kept quiet, mostly due to the children they met along the road. Some younger ones were only exploring the great estate, some walked hand in hand giggling, while others were just sitting around, enjoying their weekend and the good weather.

Tiredness soon took over Harry, making him feel like he hadn't slept in ages when in fact, his adventure to Italy only started yesterday. Yet their eventful Saturday had tired him more than the whole semester. Snape looked exhausted as well. The dark shadows under his eyes grew deep overnight.

Yet the silence between them held something else besides fatigue. Maybe it was just the echo of Ettore's words to them, perhaps it held their own fears. However, something was there, making every step hurt.

Everything looked so simple in Italy. Even the waiting looked like child's play, but now as they approached the castle the earlier complications were there again. Not just the curse and the Board, but everything else seemed to step between them. The further they went from Italy, the more complicated their future looked.

They parted at the Great Hall. Snape went to talk to Minerva, while Harry headed towards his quarters in hopes of a soft bed, and perhaps a tumbler of brandy. He wasn't disappointed. As if the elves had known what he needed, he was awaited with a warmed bed and a glass of cognac by the bedside table. Clothed, just as he was, Harry downed the drink, and dropped onto the bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

He woke hours later, if possible more tired and even disoriented. His dreams left him restless. Too many changing faces, angry words and numbing helplessness. There was a knock on his door, which made him realize, it must have been what had woken him in the first place.

Groaning, Harry stood up and rubbed his face. By the time he walked out of his bedroom, the knocking turned into loud pounding. He looked outside the window and saw it was already dark. He must have slept through the whole day.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming," He mumbled still a bit groggy, when the person on the other side drummed on his door so loud it almost came off of its hinges.

They were knocking still, when he finally reached the door and opened it. Snape's frozen hand fisted in the air.

"You look positively horrible," Laughed Harry as he looked at the tired face. "Have you slept at all?"

"No," Snape answered, lowering his hand. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," Harry stood aside and let in his guest. "Did something happen?"

"No."

Snape walked inside and then just stood there in the middle of the room, looking around as if it would be his first time there. He was strangely quiet.

Harry waited patiently for a while, but when Snape still didn't say anything, he finally asked, "Do you want a drink?"

Snape suddenly looked at Harry dead in the eyes. "I want to fuck you, not a bloody drink, thank you."

Harry tried to clear his throat but nothing helped cooling this sudden heat he felt. "What…?"

"You heard me, Potter. This is unfair. It's cruel. How am I to focus on my work now?" Snapped the Headmaster.

"Just how you always did," said Harry as helpfully as he could, though that previous sentence still didn't let him think as straight as he needed.

"I had to write a letter this afternoon to a concerned parent, Professor Potter. The furthest I got was Dear Mrs. Thumsley."

Harry chuckled softly, but tried to keep it to himself. Snape was clearly agitated. "You're just tired. Go to bed and-"

He couldn't finish the sentence as the next moment he felt himself crushed against a bookshelf, Snape holding him there with two strong hands on his hips. "Tired, am I, Mr. Potter?"

One of the hands moved and grabbed Harry's wrist guiding it downwards. Eyes wide open, Harry let Snape put his hand over Snape's hardened cock, while he whispered, "This is how tired I am, Mr. Potter, how tired I've been all fucking day, so yes, I am going to bed and you are coming with me."

He was pulled then into his own bedroom, Snape guiding Harry through his quarters as if it would be his. Once they reached the bed, just when Harry expected to be thrown on it, Snape stopped.

"I need you. I want you. And I promised you a night. Tell me to go away. Tell me we cannot do this, be strong and send me on my way, because Merlin forbid, I am weak and I won't leave unless you tell me to." Snape grabbed Harry's arm and held on to him strongly. "Or let me stay and I will give you a night you will remember. Something that shows you that I have waited and waited for you and I'm willing to wait a century more, if you promise you will be mine."

"I've been yours for a while now, Severus." Harry groaned, getting more and more excited by the hungry look in Severus' eyes.

"If you say yes," said Severus darkly, "I will lick you, eat you up, and put my cock in every hole in your body, do you understand that? You will bare my marks on your body for days to come. You will beg and plead and I will not stop sucking your cock, or fucking that tight little hole of yours."

"Yes, yes, oh god yes," chanted Harry pulling the man closer.

The grin on Snape's lips was definitely wolfish as he slid his hands onto Harry's neck and hold him firmly. Slowly he leaned forward, parted lips drifting ghost-like on Harry's face – not a kiss yet, just soft caress. Harry sighed deeply.

"Severus," he moaned barely audible.

Lips slipped over his. Severus kissed him gently, yet the hands on Harry's neck were still clinging strongly as if he would be holding himself back. Harry exhaled through his nose, barely able to breath from his fervently pounding heart.

"Kneel down, Harry," murmured Severus and Harry could feel the gentle pressure as he was pushed down. He knelt, feeling excited and aroused. Snape's hands slipped from his neck and caressed his face, his cheeks, went into his hair and slid through it, ruffling it up even more. Snape's thumb gently rubbed the muscles on his nape making him feel more relaxed as if that could possibly ease the violent need in Harry.

"I doubt you understand how much I want you." Severus said slowly, caressing Harry still with the back of his hands. "The more I see, the more you let me touch, let me taste – it's like an addiction. It makes me crave more, it's never enough. I can hear your skin calling to me to kiss it, to touch it. What else do you think your body is telling me, Potter?"

Harry caressed the long legs in front of him, hand sliding from slacks covered calf up onto thighs and hips.

"That I want you, too?" Asked Harry though he didn't really mean it as a question. "Every inch of me has been screaming for you for so god damn long, it hurts, Severus." Harry gulped. "I want to feel your hands on me… I want to feel you in me… It makes me hard just thinking about you fucking me…"

"More… Tell me more," said Severus as he let go of Harry. He pulled out his shirt, then, black eyes still stuck on Harry's lips as he spoke, he slowly unhooked his belt, then slid it out of the hooks. He dropped it onto the floor, the silver buckle jingling loudly as it hit the ground.

"I want to feel your hot, sweaty body move over me. I can't wait to feel you slowly pressing inside me, knowing how every inch will make me scream with need."

Severus undid both the buttons on his trousers. His black eyes bore into Harry's soul, who refused to look away. But he did keep talking. "I'm glad we didn't do this in Italy, because tomorrow I will wake up and the first thing I will do is fist a hand around my cock and make myself come again, while I can still smell your scent on my pillow."

"What makes you think I would not be here to do it for you?" Severus asked, lips pulling up. "Or you plan to send me away once you are fully satisfied? You think, after what I have planned for us, I will be able to move?"

Grinning Harry shook his head. "You could still be here… I wouldn't let you touch me until I make you promise you will come back tomorrow night as well."

"Cheat…" Grinned Severus, unzipping himself.

Harry licked his lips, eyes dropping down when he heard the sound. "Do you want me to beg for it?" He said then, nodding towards Severus' still covered hardness.

Severus slipped a hand inside his shorts and Harry could see his fingers fist around the hard member, bony knuckles pressing through the thin material. Snape stroked himself, one firm move on his whole length going from bottom to top, making Harry's mouth wet from the sight.

"I want you to open your mouth but do nothing else until I tell you to."

Obediently, Harry's lips parted even before his brain would give the order. He moaned harshly when Severus finally pulled his member out.

Severus kept stroking himself only inches before Harry's lips. Elegant fingers keeping a tight grip around his long shaft as he moved them up and down, sighing with need himself. He watched Harry, onyx eyes stuck on green, while he gasps softly when he reached the head of his cock.

Harry waited, patiently, knowing he would have his reward soon. He loved this game, the pent-up frustration now only seconds away from being released. Anticipation was making his blood boil as he breathed trying to control himself and not lean forward to taste that delicious, pink flesh.

Severus' left hand moved back on his face and edging a thumb between his teeth, he prayed Harry's mouth further apart. Harry moaned. Severus' cock twitched in response.

Snape moved slowly as he slid his cock into Harry's wet mouth, biting his own lips to keep his control. But Harry couldn't help it, he pressed his tongue against the underside of Snape's hardness.

"Tsk… What did I tell you?" Hissed Severus.

Jaw slacked, the tip of his tongue still moving gently against Severus' arousal, Harry just grinned.

Severus rolled his hips suddenly and his cock slipped deeper in. Harry groaned now wilder, but it was only in surprise. Fingers gripped both sides of his head and Snape thrust again, the soft head of his cock pressing against the roof of his mouth.

"Oh fuck…" Severus keened and Harry closed his mouth and sucked on the hard member harder.

"Eager, are we?" Severus mumbled. "Let's see how well you can handle this…"

He thrust now hard and fast, but still not too deep. Harry let the cock slide in and out of his mouth, tongue swirling around the thick flesh. He tried to tilt his head and take Snape in deeper but the strong hands on his head didn't let him. He looked up, searching for the dark gaze he knew would watch him. And indeed, Snape's eyes were on him, observing him avidly as he fucked Harry's mouth.

Suddenly, Harry remembered Severus, the design Ettore had made and the picture in the calendar. The almost expressionless face, the same as now, yet Harry could tell deep inside Snape's every cell was on fire. It was the control that told him, the firm grip on Harry's head and so he slid his own hands over Snape's. He didn't need to move them, Snape reacted almost immediately. His hold loosened and he cradled Harry's head, who drew him in even further.

"Fucking hell," Severus pressed out, fingers helplessly tugging Harry's unruly mop of hair.

Severus' head fell back, his own lips parted and he panted, moaning, hands now restlessly moving in Harry's ink hair.

Harry tongued the slit, drawing further elicit moans from Severus. He let the tip pop out of his mouth and still grinning he licked up the whole length of the sweet member. His saliva mixed with Snape's precome glistened on the long cock and he fisted his hand around it, wanting to play with Snape for a little while more.

But it seemed Severus had a different idea. He pulled Harry up from the ground and pushed him onto the bed. He crawled on top of him, leaning on the bed with only one hand next to Harry's head. His other hand was on his cock, pressing it down against Harry's arousal, as his hips moved trusting wildly.

Harry pushed up, seeking more friction against his still covered cock. He clutched at Snape's pure white shirt, clawing it open mindlessly, not caring for broken buttons or torn material at all. Biting his lips, Severus pressed their cocks together, moving on top of Harry wildly.

It took Harry just a moment to fully open the white shirt and reveal the delicious skin beneath. He ran his palm over dark hair covered chest and further down, fingertips dancing on defined muscles. He kept sliding his hand down until he reached his destination. He swatted Snape's hand away and slipped his hand back over the velvety flesh pressing it against himself, while thrusting up.

His hand free now, Severus set off to finally undress Harry as well. He tore at his shirt and once it was open, he bent down taking a nipple in his mouth, grinding it softly between his teeth. Harry cried out, hand gripping into Severus' ink black strands and he arched from the bed.

"Kill me or fuck me, I can't do this any longer…" Harry breathed against Severus' temple.

Severus' reaction was only a dark chuckle. "You don't deserve either yet," he answered, pink tongue teasing the little, hard nub. He moved slowly further down on the slim body beneath his, goose bumps signalling his trail like tiny breadcrumbs all over Harry's chest. Soft lips kissed Harry's ribs, tongue tickled his side as Snape descended on him like a hungry wolf. Sharp teeth left red marks on his belly, while clever fingers worked his pants open.

Severus didn't play with him any longer. He reached inside Harry's jeans the moment he had access and they both moaned when he wrapped his finger's around Harry's erect cock, pulling it out almost immediately.

"Good lord…" Harry moaned, but Severus silenced him with a sweet kiss. The next moment those sinful lips were back on his belly, teasing him with arduous licks. The hand around his cock and that wayward mouth got closer and closer until suddenly they were only inches apart.

Harry lifted his head and looked down. Severus was watching Harry's cock, all but studying it as if he had all the time in the world and not a needy young man beneath him. He gave a small taste to the tip and Harry gasped. Another, longer swipe around the head left the professor speechless. Hands tangled in bedsheet besides him, Harry cried out as soft lips traced his full length, then Snape reached his balls.

"Mm… Severus…" Moaned Harry eagerly as raspy tongue licked his balls, before the man opened his mouth and sucked in the soft sacks. Hips bucking Harry tried his best to move to the erratic rhythm of Snape sucking, but its unpredictability was what made it all so good. He keened, desperately needing that mouth somewhere else, where now only strong fingers stroked him. Snape's thumb circled around the head of his cock, spreading the precome that was oozing from Harry already.

"Fuck, Severus…" Harry pleaded and felt the lips around his balls pull up into a tempting smile, while Severus didn't stop licking him for even a moment.

With the fingers rubbing him and the lewd tongue making him silently beg, Harry was almost already too close but then Severus backed off. Confused for only a second Harry opened his eyes to see his king shed his clothes. Snape was fast and within a second he was kneeling over Harry bare as a new-born. Alabaster skin, dark tufts of hair, firm muscles and a long, wet, leaking cock – all so delicious Harry didn't know where to look, what to touch. He reached up but Severus moved away from him before Harry could caress his chest.

Snape grabbed his arm instead and pulled him up so he could take off Harry's shirt as well. He didn't have any patience for the pants thought; they were removed via magic, where he got his wand from, Harry didn't know – didn't even care.

Suddenly the room became bright and it took Harry a moment to realize the wood in the hearth was lit and the light wasn't from his brain overloading as Snape's head was back in Harry's lap, lips around his firm cock, needy, slurping noises louder than the cracking of the fire.

Harry cried out loud, not caring in the least who might hear him as he fell back on the bed. Severus moved up on his cock, sucking so hard Harry thought his soul would depart before he came, but then Snape slowed down abruptly to only tender licks like a kitten's.

Sighing, Harry damned the day when he met the man, damned the moment he accepted the job as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor because this was just too much, something that he simply wasn't able to handle and he knew it was only going to get worse – and with that all the better. His sweat covered skin glistening in the firelight, shadows moving on his muscles as he shifted and keened under the sweet torturous pleasure Snape's mouth made him feel.

"Let me hear your sweet voice begging, Potter…" murmured Snape his voice so deep Harry almost came just hearing it. There was as much want in Snape's endless eyes as in Harry's, yet Severus still felt he had the upper hand. The smug smile on his face told Harry as much.

"No," groaned Harry and he regretted it right away, because he knew, he saw in his head, what Severus would do.

Severus gathered some saliva on the tip of his own thumb and forefinger and started rubbing the head of Harry's erection. "Try again," he offered huskily as his fingers moved in small circles on the soft head.

Harry keened loudly crying. His cock pulsed, all veins bulging, skin more sensitive than ever, yet he wouldn't open his mouth. Snape licked the slit, his tongue pressing in between and Harry whimpered needy. "No…" he breathed between harsh moans and Severus exhaled over his cock. He didn't stop though. Eyes darker than ever he played with Harry focusing only at the swollen head of his prick until Harry wasn't more than a puddle of sweaty desire wrapped up in human flesh.

"You know I will only move on if you say what I want to hear," Severus whispered into his ear. The long black locks tickled his oversensitive skin and sobbed, whimpering. "Beg me to make you come, and I might bring mercy for you. I'll take you in my mouth and you can fuck me raw and come down my throat as long as you like."

"Severus! F-fuck," shouted Harry his own voice as loud, as quiet Snape's was in his ear. How he still heard the man over his furiously drumming heart he wasn't sure, but Harry had a suspicion that part of this might be happening in his head – it was simply too good.

"Still no?" Chuckled Snape darkly. "Well alright." Keeping Harry still on the edge with his softly rubbing thumb and forefinger, he pressed another one to Harry's entrance also wet. He just kept it there for now so Potter would feel the pressure but nothing more.

"Is this what you want? Or you hope that I won't find your prostate? I have an excellent memory, Mr. Potter, when it comes to things like this, may I warn you. So, you better disregard your hopes, and start begging for your king."

"Mmm…" Harry hummed his lips closed tightly.

"Potter, open your eyes," came the next order and this time Harry couldn't resist. "I will make you beg, no matter how hard you try, but I must confess your strength is impressive." For a moment, Harry truly believed he had won, then Severus smiled evilly. "Now turn around."

Once again, Harry knew what would happen and the eager anticipation was back in the pit of his belly. He turned and was about to lie back down, when Severus stopped him.

"No, no, no," he said kindly, chiding.

Harry took deep breathes to calm himself once the ongoing teasing on his cock had stopped but he had barely any time to compose himself. A palm was sliding on his back, fingertips tracing his vertebra, slaloming between protruding bones until it reached his tailbone.

Snape didn't touch him anywhere else which might be why Harry shook so vehemently once lips kissed one of his buttocks.

"Am I hurting you?" Laughed Snape mockingly as he caressed Harry's backside with his palms. He spread the checks and leaned there. "Let me know if you want me to stop…"

"Oh god no," Harry moaned and he could feel another smile against his skin. "But you could fuck me with your tongue."

"Hm," Severus hesitated but his tongue swept over Harry's hole once. The young man almost fall forward onto the bed. "Why should I do what you want, if you do not obey me?"

"This was just a suggestion," Harry corrected him.

"A suggestion, you say," said Severus seriously. "Then you don't mind me just…" he didn't finish the sentence but he moved away, bending back.

"Severus!" Potter cried. "Put your tongue in my arse or so help me go- AH MY… fucking god… oh god Severus…"

Severus' tongue half way inside, wiggling wildly, put Potter's demands at rest. Clutching the sheets, sweat dripping on his forehead, Harry swore loudly before he pushed back trying to get that squirmy muscle deeper inside him. Severus chuckled and moved back. He licked the wrinkled skin over and over, the tip of his tongue edging inside bit by bit, then thrusting forth once – twice – a third time, stabbing at Potter's hole.

"Shiiit…" Harry groaned desperate when the thumb and forefinger went back around on the head of his needy prick which seemed to be continuously oozing precome now.

It was suddenly all too much. The tongue lapping at his hole, the fingers circling that soft flesh – his arms and legs weren't enough to hold him up. He fell forwards onto his elbows, pressing his head against the sheets, tearing at it with teeth and nails as if that would help him with the torturous pleasure.

Silently, he begged against the bed but the blanket muffled his voice and Severus did not hear him. Or perhaps he did because the next moment Harry felt a finger at his entrance next to the tongue. He cried out when it pressed through the tight ring of muscles, smoothly as if it would be already covered in lube.

"Say it, Harry," Severus ordered.

This time Harry obeyed. "Please," he begged voice broken with lust. "God Severus please just fuck me… I want you in me please…"

"Hearing you say that… you don't know what it does to me, Harry… I want to feel you around myself more than anything. But I promised you a night you won't forget… So not just yet… bear with me for a little longer…"

"I ca-ah-an't, Severus…" said Harry ardently. "I'm gonna… ahh… I'm gonna come."

"Well yes, just as planned." Stated Severus then suddenly his mouth became busy with something other than talking.

He added a second finger and continued to twist his tongue around the rim of Harry's ass. The young man was loudly begging now and Severus knew exactly how he could push him over that fine line. He bent his fingers once deep inside Potter and searched until he found the little nub he was looking for. Potter screamed, arching his back, pushing back against Severus' fingers wildly. He came hard as Severus milked the last drop of come from him, not even flinching from the third finger that was pressed inside him.

Minutes went by while Severus slowly moved his lubed fingers in and out of Potter's ass, while placing small, tender kisses on his back. Once he felt that the younger man's breathing wasn't as hectic anymore, he let him go.

Potter crashed onto the bed like a doll, but then turned around and reached out to tug Severus with him as well. He rolled his hips once or twice and within moments it felt like he got his full strength back. His cock soft still, but the rest of his body eager and wanting.

"Do it," he whispered kissing a line up on Severus' neck. "Do it now," he urged him.

"I want you to-" Severus started but Harry cut in.

"Now!" He moaned thrashing on the bed, hooking his legs around Severus' waist. "I'll be hard in a minute, you'll see."

Harry nibbled along Severus' jawline, then moved up to his ear. "Put that long hard cock in my arse, Severus, I know you want to. You want it more than anything."

"I do," Severus admitted breathlessly, eyes fluttering down.

"Do it," whispered the little devil into this ear. "Fuck me, my dear Prince."

A hand gripped Harry's bare thigh and Snape hissed. He nuzzled Harry's temple and breathed softly into his black locks. Harry's hand caressed Severus' back, slid slowly down, fingernails tracing straight lines among the myriad of smaller scars.

Then Potter grabbed into Severus' ass, fingers kneading the taut muscle and Severus thrust forward, pressing hard cock against the lower half of Harry's thigh. He rolled his hips working himself slowly closer to Harry's entrance.

Harry let out a harsh moan when he felt the blunt, wet tip of Snape's erection poke against his entrance. Snape let out a similar sound, though that was wilder and deeper like an animal's grunt. He slowed the roll of his hips even more, his thrust barely more than tiny shudders. Soon, Harry felt like begging again. It was unfair how much control Severus had, how hard he could still hold on, while Harry wanted nothing more than to feel that stiff erection penetrate him.

But Snape just continued to toy with him with small prods, lazy kisses over his neck and soon Harry felt that eager anticipation return. He wanted Severus to snap and thrust hard and fast. He knew eventually he would get what he wanted but the man had more will power than Harry ever possessed – and now laid bare and on the brim of an experience of a lifetime, he even doubted he ever had any.

Harry, too, started thrusting back and forth between the bed and Severus, though in his case it was less about control and more about desperate need for friction. The moment he could feel Snape almost breaching him, the man pulled back and Harry cried out in frustration. They played this game for a while, Snape nibbling and kissing every inch of skin he found and soon Harry was once again hard and dripping wet.

"You know why I'm doing this, right?" Asked Snape after another small jerk. His voice was so crooked, it was barely understandable. Yet it resonated deeply in Harry turning him on even more.

"To kill me, would be my guess," Harry grunted, fingernails digging into Severus' lower back.

The man hissed, then chuckled, making Harry shiver. "On the contrary, actually. I fear I will come the moment I'm inside you. You're so goddamn tight, Harry." As he spoke his thrusts became stronger and stronger, his cock pressing harder against Harry's muscles. "I've wanted this for so long, I want to savour every moment. I want to remember the smell of your skin, I want to be able to recall the warmth of your body. Every second I spend with you, every touch, every sensation I want it etched into my brain so I can recall them whenever I need to."

Severus held himself steady for a minute, knowing just one little push would send him past that tight ring. Harry too changed from rocking back and forth to small circles to ease the small burning he felt, though compared to the needy sensation in his lower half it was nothing.

"God Harry, you are incredible," whispered Severus against Harry's neck then finally pushed forward with one hard thrust, making both of them cry out. He didn't stop. He plunged forward again and again, pulling back and pushing deeper and deeper inside his lover.

Harry keened, his sighs and moans loud and fervid. Severus kissed him to silence him, but it was useless, yet the thin lips never left his mouth. Soon Severus was driving into him so hard, Harry had to press his hands against the bedframe before his head would knock against the hard wood.

Sliding smoothly and fast inside, Severus made Harry crave more and more until a point came where he just floated in pure bliss – not orgasming yet, but the sweet sensation of being filled, of being with the man he wanted, and even more, loved was more than he ever experienced.

Wild and ardent their slick, sweaty body moved against each other, immoral and shameless they both begged, for what none of them was certain.

"Fuck, Harry…" Severus cried suddenly, "Oh fuck…" was all he could press out before he jerked, yet he still did not stop his rough thrusts. Harry could sense though how Snape's cock twitched inside him spurting warm come, no doubt. Soon he could feel it slowly streaming down on his perineum, which made him even harder if possible. Snape was still moving inside him, though his moves lacking the former wildness. He was gentle and careful and Harry moved with him in synchrony.

Harry waited but Severus didn't pull out. Instead he just murmured, "You feel so incredible," as he kissed Harry's neck, then jaw then lips. He stilled completely for minutes while their lips battled, tongue sneaking into the other's mouth to taste and explore.

When the kiss ended, Severus finally pulled out and Harry was surprised that he still felt rock hard. He watched the man as he scrambled off the bed, then motioned to him. "Come here, Harry."

Harry climbed in front of him and kneeled up. They kissed again, then Snape twirled him around. He grabbed Harry' cheeks and pulled them aside, then pressed back inside Harry's hot arse, his hard cock still eager to bring Harry to completion as well.

Snape was suddenly wilder than ever. His grip on Harry's wrist as he pulled him back while he thrust forward was bruising and Harry knew these were the marks he was talking about. He sure as hell would feel these for days to come, not to mention the purple marks that would no doubt appear on his waist.

Harry felt the medal he got from Snape dance against his chest from the wild rhythm of Severus' thrust, but he couldn't care less about the brutal force. He was thriving from every second of this, not just tolerating but enjoying the roughness, the desperate need in every move of their bodies. He was claimed, and there was nothing he wanted more.

He was shouting, his whimpers loud and eager until Snape suddenly let go of his hips and draw a strong arm over his shoulder, grabbing Harry's neck firmly and holding him there while he kissed him passionately. His right hand went to Harry' cock and started pumping him fervently and Harry cried into his mouth but he wasn't let go. Snape's long fingers were all covered in precome, sliding slickly on Harry's stiff member. Harry's purple head oozed so much liquid it was dripping down to the blanket.

He almost went insane by the avid pleasure Severus was making him feel. His balls tightened up, and his orgasm was building in the pit of his groin, but he swatted away Severus' hand just in time to save some more minutes for this blessed connection.

"Fucking hell, Severus…" Harry groaned into the other man's mouth. The hand on his throat was so tight, it barely let him form any words. Severus answered with a keen moan that once might have been "Potter," but by the time it reached Harry's ears, was reduced to nothing else than a feral grunt.

Harry arched his back and reached behind, burying his hand in Snape's messy black mane, who in response put his hand around Harry's cock once more and jerked him with smooth strokes.

Teeth bit wildly into soft lips but none of them truly knew what was causing pleasure and what pain anymore. Erratic thrusts, minds becoming hazy from sheer pleasure, voice ragged and rasped – sweat and come mixing beneath them on the sheets as they were panting loud, tired, worn.

It wasn't over for minutes. They clang to each other like children afraid of the dark, only it was the brightness they couldn't handle. It was overwhelming – too much sensation, too much pleasure, too much everything. They passed out, still holding on to each other.

o.O.o

Hours later, Severus woke feeling cold. At first, he thought it was because he was back down in the dungeons for some reason. Then he held the air-conditioning in Ettore's house responsible. It didn't occur to him to blame it on the now dried up sweat on his skin from all the strenuous activity for minutes. Only when he opened his eyes to find an also shuddering Potter in his arms, did he become suspicious.

"Potter," he said softly, but the young man didn't even stir. He felt it safe to put him under the blanket. Once Potter stopped shuddering in his sleep, Severus stood up and walked to the window. The room smelled of sweat, sex, and come and though these were all scents he didn't mind, especially when it was a result of fucking Potter almost through the bed, he still opened a window. The moon was high on the star filled sky and the balmy May air was caressing his skin.

He looked over his shoulder and was surprised the glasses were back on Potter's face and green eyes were watching him avidly.

"What are you doing?" Harry asked burrowed deep under the covers like a huge caterpillar.

Severus turned back towards the window.

"There's something you need to know."

"Oh shit," came the answer and Severus heard shifting on the bed. Potter must have sat up but he didn't turn back to check.

"Ettore knew for a while… Besides the curse and the Board, this was what made me truly terrified to make a move."

Potter sighed. "Just cut the crap and say it, Snape."

"I love you." Said Severus clearly to the dark sky.

Harry still asked back. "Excuse me?"

Snape finally turned around. "Ettore was right. He was right all along. The school and the curse were more like excuses. But I cannot do this, not after tonight. Potter, I love you."

The bewildered expression was slowly melting from Potter's face. He was smiling as he said, "Okay. I think you need a drink."

"No, I don't." Severus argued. "I should have listened to Ettore a long time ago, but I won't hide this any longer."

"Look, more than anything I want to tell you to listen to Ettore, believe me," Harry smiled, "but clearly you're not thinking straight at the moment."

"In Italy, it was you-" Snape started but Harry cut in.

"That was in Italy, Severus. We're back in England. As your servant, your courtesan, or whatever we call it, I need to remind you that for months, we managed to behave, mostly thanks to you. And sometimes to Dumbledore's nosy portrait." He added thoughtful.

Severus was shaking his head. "You still do not understand. Harry, if I'm a king you are there next to me on the throne. A courtesan you only are in bed: naked, hard, needy, but everywhere else you do not serve me, you help me, give me advice, guide me."

Snape suddenly started walking up and down in front of the bed. "Why do you think I agreed to all this stupid charity? Not for the school, but for you, because you wanted it."

"And right now, I want you to come back to bed," said Potter.

"You are not taking me seriously." Severus stated.

"You are roaming in my room naked, Severus. Of course, I can't take you seriously. Except the love me part. That better be serious."

"I am serious," Severus said with a roll of his eyes, but he did stop walking a hole in Harry's room and finally sat down on the bed. "And I know what we will do."

"Oh do you now?" Potter asked back, sounding doubtful, though as to why, Severus didn't have a clue. "Do tell."

"You have to quit." Severus said.

"Okay, nothing too drastic, I see," Harry quipped words dripping with sarcasm. He moved closer to Severus on the bed, kneeling up, then straddling Severus, pushing him down onto the sheets. "I thought you had a curse you wanted to be broken and all. But correct me-"

"No, hush, listen." Severus said, his fingers caressing Harry's waist. You have to quit after the semester ends. At least we will make everyone believe you did. But technically, I won't file the papers. We will get married in the summer and I rehire you. Therefore, our relationship can no longer be indecent, or whatever idiocy those fools believe is going on."

"Whoa, whoa!" Cried Harry leaning onto Severus' chest. "Did you just propose to me?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Potter," Severus snapped at him, ruffling the untidy mob on top of Potter's head. "I am just coming up with a plan that would allow us to be together, while keeping our jobs. It is that simple."

"Snape- No, Severus." Harry corrected himself. "Severus, listen to yourself. Or better yet, listen to me. I'm not like Ettore. I marry for life."

"Well," Severus said with a firm nod. "So do I."

There was a momentarily pause then the green eyes went wider than ever. "Oh god, you did just propose to me. But… but… I mean…"

"Well it's not like we don't know each other." Severus explained. "You know me more than anyone, you've seen me in my worst, you probably seen me in my best as well somewhere over the years. And you do not have delusional expectations about living with me, surely."

"Well I never imagined this to happen, that's for sure," murmured Potter then added with a grimace. "Besides, don't talk about it like it's just a business transaction."

"It's a solution," Severus said simply.

"That's why you want to marry me?" Potter cried, slapping Severus' chest.

"No," Answered Severus patiently. "I want to marry you because unfortunately Destiny, or the Gods up there, or whatever idiot decides on matters like this has a terrible sense of humour and they made me fall madly in love with you." Then he added after a moment, "You with your righteous, insufferable self might also have something to do with it, I suspect."

"Oh really, talk to me about terrible sense of humour! You think it's easy to love a sneering, old git, armed with sharp wit and sarcasm? My life will be a nightmare when I'm married to a bastard like you…" Sighed Potter.

"When?" Severus echoed with a smug smile.

Potter just grinned. "Yes, when. Which reminds me… I want it noted that I don't want to get married on my birthday, or in July altogether. The weather is just too hot."

"Dully noted, Mr. Potter." Severus said then rolled them over, pining Harry to the bed. "Anything else?" He murmured in a low voice, lips tracing Harry's neck.

"Yes," Harry groaned, his hips already rolling up. "I love you, too, Severus."

A couple of days later…

Severus looked at the mountain of workload on the side of his desk and ran ten fingers through his hair. Would this semester never be over?

His wonderful night with Harry had been fading into memories like the bruises on their bodies. The nights he had to spend alone now were more desperate than ever. Whoever thought this one night was a good idea, should have been beheaded, because Severus was suffering and he knew Potter felt the same. Yet, they still had a little over one month till the end of the semester – which was unfortunately a little over one month he was forced to spend far away from Potter's bedroom.

Sheer torture, if anyone asked him.

The knock on the door was unexpected as it was still rather early and most of his teachers were currently still holding their classes.

"Enter," he said, putting down the quill and rolling up the half-written letter he was working on.

The door opened and Severus smiled. "Claire, what a pleasant surprise."

"Hello, Severus," the woman smiled back. "A friend in common asked me to deliver you this." She held out a letter for Severus.

The Headmaster stood and walked to her. He took the rolled-up parchment from her, then pointed at a chair by the desk. "Sit, please. Have tea with me."

"I have a feeling we wouldn't have time to finish it anyway, so I'd rather just skip it, but thanks." She said cryptically.

Severus frowned, then opened the letter, more curious now.

He had to go through it two times to fully understand the whole meaning of the red letters. Yet, he still felt like he had to ask, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Just what it says there." Claire smiled. "The Board of Governors felt it best to change some ancient rules that might not apply anymore in this modern world."

"You're telling me…" Severus wasn't able to finish.

"Yes, Severus. I am telling you there is no rule in the Book that would say the Headmaster mustn't conduct a romantic relationship with one of his or her teachers."

"What do you mean, there isn't. There is. It was there, Claire, I checked it. Many times, believe me."

"I believe you, Severus. But it was deleted."

"When was it deleted?" Severus asked suspiciously.

"A couple of days ago," Answered Claire nonchalantly. Seeing Severus' puzzled expression, Claire explained. "You see, it seems to me that you made a rather powerful friend in Ettore Serafini. His aunt is not just the oldest family friend of about half the Governors, but Ettore had just made a rather large donation to Hogwarts. Now the Board is all for the traditions, as we know, but even they wouldn't say no to people like Ettore Serafini and Coco Baron. Especially not when all they ask in return is this tiny little favour to let the hero of the Wizarding World date another hero. Even if they both happen to be working at this school."

"That's impossible," Severus insisted. "Rules don't get just deleted. Especially not at Hogwarts."

"They do, when you are friends with Ettore Serafini." Smiled Claire. "You see, Severus, the universe works in balance. You and Harry have been giving more to this school, than they could ever repay you. Think of this as all your hard work for charity has finally paid off."

Severus looked at the woman in front of him, still not quiet believing what just happened, then only said in the calmest voice possible, "If you will excuse me now, Claire. A rather urgent appointment just came up."

With that, he was out of his office.

o.O.o

Later that evening, miles and miles away from the cold walls of Hogwarts, Ettore Serafini was peacefully drinking a glass of cool Cabernet in his garden. He was resting his bare feet on another chair, as he enjoyed the flowery scent of May in Italy. The fig tree over him was blooming and the air carried its sweet scent to him.

Rajah, his cat, was lazily lying over Ettore's shoulder, lifting his head only when a bold mosquito came too close. The others were scattered around the estate, though Ettore would swear the dark, large mop couple feet away was the sleeping Orsetto.

The air was warm and the stars bright, yet his heart, first time in a long while, wasn't in Italy. He missed his Aunt and Scotland, the good ale that felt more refreshing during the summer than any wine in Italy. But more than anything, he missed his friends.

He thought perhaps it was time to take a longer visit to Britain – Zia Coco had been pestering him about it anyways. Perhaps, he could stay for a year or two… maybe longer. He could design clothes from anywhere, after all. Besides, there was plenty of excitement across the Channel as well.

He did not notice the bird – it was Rajah who lifted his head, which in the end made Ettore look away from the mountains far away.

The sturdy owl landed on the table. Not in the least bothered by the hungry gaze the cat was giving her, she held up one of her legs. There was an envelope attached to it. Ettore freed her of her delivery and she jumped back in the air right away.

He examined the letter. There was nothing on it from the outside, not even an addressee. He found that weird, then his eyes caught the seal on the back. He run his fingers over the crimson stamp and he smiled softly. He could sense the tiny lion, raven, badger and snake engraved in the vax.

He broke the seal and shook the envelope, but only a single paper fell out. He took it in hand and, sipped into his wine, as he took a look at it – which in retrospect was a great mistake.

He spat the wine out immediately, barely avoiding the sleeping sheepdog.

The page was a picture, and not just any picture. Ettore felt like he had to cover Rajah's eyes before it would ruin the cat's innocence.

As he was not really familiar with the definition of innocent in the first place, he studied the photo in depth.

Neither Harry, nor Severus seemed to wear anything beside the sweat on their skin, though Severus still managed to hide his beautiful body. His excuse was excellent, Ettore thought – after all Severus was deep inside Harry. To Ettore's utter satisfaction, it was a magical photo, so he could see their hips thrusting forward, their lips moving against each other in a wild kiss. Severus' hand was wrapped around Harry's cock, and as he moved it up and down, Harry was spurting little streaks of come towards the camera.

Ettore felt himself harden right away and his previous thought about relocating somewhere in Britain – possibly in Scotland – seemed to become firm as well.

He shook the envelope again. Surely, an image like this would not arrive without a teasing word or two. There was no second letter but he noticed some scrawled, small writing on the back of the picture.

It was just a single line:

Thank you for everything, Ettore

SS, HP

The End

I have some art for the story, if you would like to see them, please head over to Archive Of Our own: archiveofourown (d.o.t.) org (slash) works (slash) 3172286