AN: Sorry for the delay. I got distracted. I'm also sorry that Snape and Ron are bastards in this chapter.

Thank you all for your fabulous reviews, and I feel the utmost regret that I repaid them with a long wait while I started (and almost finished) a new fic. Silver Point Despair, your review seemed to be rather angry. If the anger is directed at me I am very sorry.

Chapter 3: Repercussions: Part 2

The reason for Severus' sudden departure was common knowledge amongst the students by Sunday. He couldn't walk down the corridor without being followed by a constant barrage of insults, and so resigned himself to the dungeons. He consoled himself by thinking that at least Harry's name hadn't been dragged up, and any discussion about the identity of his young partner was complete speculation. Harry longed to see him, to keep him company in the long hours before his farewell, but had enough common sense to keep away from him.

However, there was only so much Harry could take. Finally, Ron's idle gossip brought him to breaking point, and he knew he could no longer keep his secret from him or Hermione. During lunch he subtly ushered them both from the great hall, carefully checking that nobody was witnessing the unusual activity. Ron seemed perturbed that he was being distracted from food, but Harry barely heard his insistent moaning.

"It's me." Ron raised his eyebrows and when he replied his voice was laden with the sarcasm Harry had found impressive until he'd met Severus, whose sharp wit was far more entertaining.

"I'd never have guessed."

"I mean, it's me they're all talking about. I'm Severus'…" Harry struggled for a word to describe his and the potion master's relationship. "…boyfriend." Ron laughed but stopped quickly when he saw the seriousness on Harry's face. Hermione's eyes widened and her mouth fell open slightly.

"You're joking, right? Please tell me you're joking." Ron stepped back slightly.

"You called him Severus." Hermione's voice was almost inaudible as she tried to make sense of what Harry had just told her. She looked up suddenly and scrutinised Harry's eyes for any explanation he might hold there. "For how long?" Harry squirmed uncomfortably.

"About six months." When Ron heard this he recovered from his initial shock quickly. His nostrils flared slightly and his face was flushed with barely contained anger.

"So all this time you've been screwing that greasy git?" Harry blushed.

"It's not like that! Why do people assume that's the basis of our relationship?" Ron scoffed.

"Well what else do you think he's after, Harry? Companionship? Do you think the sick pervert will be satisfied just to hold your hand? Are you really so bloody naïve as to think he wants you for anything other than to warm his bed?" Harry flinched away from his sharp tone.

"Hermione, please, make him understand." Hermione looked away and pressed her hand to her forehead momentarily.

"I..I can't, Harry. I think I agree with Ron." Harry gaped.

"But, 'mione…"

"I'm sorry Harry, but it's only natural that a middle-aged man and a teenage boy will want something different from a relationship." Harry had expected Ron to be upset, angry, even, but not Hermione. He'd always thought her a more open-minded person than Ron. Harry laughed bitterly, disdainful of his own stupidity.

"And I suppose it is because Severus is a man, isn't it? It would be a whole different story if it was a woman I was in love with." Ron went white and launched himself at the darker boy. Hermione caught his waist and held him back. He flailed for a few moments, before accepting that Hermione wouldn't let go and going limp in her arms.

"You stupid prick! Don't dare suggest that that's the reason. Do you think I give a damn that you're gay? I've supported you since you told me! Hell, I even beat the shit out of Malfoy whenever he tried to put you down about it, so don't dare try and make me out to be homophobic."

"No. You just can't stand the thought that Severus might be happy."

"Shit, Harry. I'm just looking out for you. You're so bloody naïve."

"Did you say that you love him?" Ron and Harry were shocked to realise that Hermione was still there.

"Yes, I did." Ron laughed.

"Has he said that he loves you?" Harry nodded, and found it impossible to quash the smile that rose to his lips at the admission.

"Of course he'll say that! Bastards like him will say anything if it means you'll let them fuck you…"

"Ron! Language!"

"…then he'll drop you like a tonne of hot bricks. If you can't see that, then you're a bigger fool than I thought. Come on, 'mione." Hermione looked back apologetically as she was dragged away by Ron, and Harry fled up the staircase before his tears could force their way to the surface.

22

"Harry?" He tried to wipe the tears from his cheek before Severus saw them, but it was too late. Besides, the quiet man never missed anything. "What's wrong?" Harry wished he'd put his arm around him and make everything okay again, but Severus stood a few feet in front of him with his arms folded across his chest.

"I told Ron and Hermione." His voice cracked. A look of horror stole across Severus' face and his voice was a venomous hiss.

"Why? Bloody hell, Potter. Do you know what you've done? Was ruining my life not satisfactory enough that you had to ruin your own too?" He gripped Harry's shoulders and yanked his to his feet. "Well? Answer me, boy!" Harry, startled at Severus' almost violent response, threw up his own guards.

"Fuck off!" Severus slapped him smartly across the cheek and Harry stumbled backwards, his hand flying up to touch his stinging face. Severus immediately let go of Harry's shoulder and ran his hand through his hair.

"Shit, Harry. I'm sorry."

"People seem to be saying that to me a lot today." Harry curled up on his bed with his back to Severus. Severus sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over Harry's torso so he could see his face, propping himself up on his elbow.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I just didn't want you to be affected by this whole affair. Please, forgive me." Harry laughed ironically.

"It's a bit late for that, don't you think?" He turned onto his back so he could see Severus clearly. "It's okay. Just promise not to leave me."

"I promise." Severus voice was a whisper, but it was good enough for Harry.

"I haven't really ruined your life, have I?" Severus scowled at himself for having said something so careless, knowing fine well that teenagers are as intelligent as adults, yet as sensitive as children.

"Of course not. In fact, I'd probably have died of boredom if it wasn't for you." Harry laughed and Severus moved his hand to wipe away the drying tears on Harry's cheek.

Ron stalked into the dormitory and froze when he caught sight of the two. He sneered and glared at Severus with utter contempt.

"Remember what I told you Harry. He loves you no more than he loves Nearly Headless Nick." Severus jumped to his feet as he contemplated the words which must have passed between the two. Ron turned on his heel and left.

"Tell me he's not right, Sev." Severus grinned.

"I have always had a soft spot for Nearly Headless Nick."