Beta'd by Rakina
Upon their return to Hogwarts, they were the talk of the school. It was expected of course, but that didn't make it any easier to bear. Snape and Harry had enjoyed their time in their own secure little bubble and neither was looking forward to being back.
"Are you sure we can't go home?" Harry asked, throwing himself into Snape's armchair the first night they were back at school.
As bad as Snape's day had been, he had no doubt that Harry's had been worse. "Tell me the worst thing that happened," he said, seating himself on the couch.
Harry scowled. "Someone tried to stick gum up my nose using Waddiwasi."
Snape snorted. Then laughed outright, ignoring Harry's glare.
"Stop laughing, if I hadn't deflected the gum wad, I would have made you try and get it out."
"I think not!" Snape said, shaking his head. "Who was it? I'm sure I can find a reason to take points," he said, smirking.
Harry didn't answer right away.
"Or not," Snape said, rolling his eyes. "Is that what made you so angry earlier today?" he asked, studying Harry. He'd felt Harry's irritation all day, but at one point it had spiked higher than the rest.
"You could feel that?" Harry asked with a low groan. He leaned forward holding his head between his legs. "Yes."
Snape didn't want to admit that he'd been making an effort all day to monitor Harry on his first day back. "As you have nearly six months left, perhaps you should find another way to deal with the stress so you don't go mad."
"So going home isn't an option?"
"Unfortunately no, but you're welcome to hide here when it gets too much," Snape said, patting the empty space next to him on the couch.
Harry grinned. "You might want to reword that or you'll be seeing more of me than you want."
"I'm still not seeing the problem," Snape said, smirking. "I rather like it when I see all of you."
Harry's cheeks turned bright red, and he lashed out with his foot, trying to kick Snape in the leg. "That's not helping!"
"I also enjoy it when you blush," Snape teased before turning serious. "Give it another week and the novelty will wear off. You'll cease to be an interesting topic of conversation. I have no doubt Potions is going to be difficult, but once they realize I'll be treating you no differently, they'll have less to moan about."
"You said that when I found about my heritage," Harry reminded him. "Has that novelty worn off yet?"
"You're now married to your greasy git of a Potions Professor. I doubt anyone is even thinking about you being king," Snape pointed out.
"I'm not sure which is worse to overhear about in the halls."
"If you keep looking so miserable, people are going to think I'm abusing you," Snape replied, frowning.
Harry sighed and nodded. "It's hard to look happy when your best friend's sister tried to stick gum up your nose."
"Ginny Weasley? She's the one?" Now Snape had a name, he could find a way for her to lose points. Of course, everyone would know why she lost the points, which would just make things worse for Harry. However, if he took the points from say, Thomas or Finnegan, nobody would be the wiser.
Harry groaned. "Whatever you're thinking, stop it."
"I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about. Now stop sulking. Nothing can be changed, so you might as well learn to deal with it."
"I just wish they'd leave me alone. It's like they have nothing better to do with their time than to think of me. I'm really not all that exciting."
"I can't argue that," Snape smirked. "Do you plan on whining for the rest of the night, so I can steel myself accordingly?"
"And if I say I do?" Harry challenged.
"Then I'll need more tea," Snape answered calmly.
Harry deflated. "You're not going to shout at me?"
"Would you like me to?"
"It'd be the only normal thing to happen all day."
"If this attitude persists, I make no promises," Snape warned.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Is it no longer unethical for me to stay the night down here?"
"It would be inappropriate to make a habit of it. You should also keep in mind that the more frequently you are gone from your own bed, the more people will talk."
"Yeah, all right."
"You're irritable because you tossed and turned all last night. I'm going to give you a potion, you're going to go to your dorm room and you're going to drink it there. You can come back tomorrow when you're not feeling so sorry for yourself."
Harry grumbled in protest for about half a minute before caving in and nodding his acceptance. He needed the rest and a strong repelling charm so no more attempts would be made on his nostrils or any other part of his body.
Snape went to his bathroom and retrieved a vial of Dreamless Sleep, then returned to Harry. He handed him the vial. "I'll see you in class tomorrow."
Harry stood, pocketing the vial without looking at it. "'Night then."
Rolling his eyes, Snape took Harry's hand and pulled him into a hug. "It will get better," he whispered, kissing Harry softly. "Now off with you."
Harry grinned and exited the room, knowing that if things got really bad, he could always just torment Snape through the bond.
Weeks passed, and though it took longer than Snape thought it would, things did become relatively normal again. There were still random whispers in the hall, but people were more concerned about the drama of their own lives to worry about other people.
Harry spent at least one or two nights a week in Snape's quarters, but it wasn't nearly enough. So they found other ways to spend time together, and had become quite proficient at talking to one another through the bond when they were apart. Only Ron and Hermione knew the extent of their bond, and they usually left Harry alone when he got that faraway look in his eye that was a sure indication he was talking with Snape.
There were times Harry used the bond to his advantage, particularly in Potions class.
Severus, is this supposed to be blue?
What does the board say, daft boy. Add more crushed clover, it should compensate for your idiocy.
Git.
Harry was certain he heard Snape laughing in his head. Once the potion was the correct color he left it to simmer. He watched Snape stalk about the room, snapping out orders and generally making life hell for Harry's classmates.
Harry decided his mate needed a distraction before hexes started flying.
Severus, have you ever given any thought to fucking over your desk? Harry asked innocently. He had to hold back a smile when he heard Snape stumble.
Not funny, Potter.
Was that a no? I've thought of you, bent over your desk. Or better yet, me bent over your desk. It's a fantasy that always ends well.
Harry could feel Snape's arousal, and it only fed his own. Perhaps it was the fact that Snape couldn't do anything that made Harry so bold when he asked, Do you think anyone would notice if I was under your desk, sucking you off while you taught class?
Snape stopped in the middle of his rant at Hannah Abbott, stumbling over his words for a moment before continuing. Harry could tell the man was trying to block him, but he must not have wanted it badly enough, because Harry could still feel him there, trying not to listen, but obviously unable to stop himself. He also realized something else.
You've thought about it before! Harry said, unable to keep the smile from his face. I'm shocked, Professor.
Snape brushed past him, and Harry was amused when he quickly sat behind his desk and scowled at Harry.
Problem? Harry asked, meeting Snape's scowl with a grin.
You're walking in dangerous territory, Harry, Snape warned, and Harry couldn't help but wonder how Snape made his voice purr that way.
How so?
Harry saw Snape moving his wand, but was still surprised when several of his unused beakers slid from the table and on to the floor.
"Potter, what are you doing?" Snape snapped angrily. At least he looked angry, but Harry didn't sense any real anger coming from him.
"Uh, sorry, I must have knocked them off," Harry said, eying Snape warily.
"Detention, Potter. You will learn to treat your property with more respect," Snape said, sneering. "Well, what are you waiting for? Clean it up!"
That was cruel, Harry groused, casting a quick repairing charm on the glass vials.
No, it will be cruel when I have you kneeling under my desk without anything between your knees and the stone floor, Snape replied smugly.
Bastard.
This time, he was sure Snape was laughing.
END