Falling Into You, Chapters Ten and Eleven

Chapter Ten: Celebrations and Goodbyes


Harry looked down at the Almethian Stone that he now held. Inside he could see a wisp of something moving slightly, as if trying to find a way out. 'Is that all that's left of you?' Harry asked the wisp.

Harry looked around at the carnage before him. Several Death Eaters were milling about, but the Aurors that had finally decided to show up quickly overcame them. Fudge hadn't wanted to believe that Voldemort was really going to attack, and he'd been slow to send aid, which Harry knew was going to cost lives, the lives of some of those that he knew, that he loved.

Harry slipped the Stone in his pocket and started searching for survivors. He quickly found Snape, and he knelt down beside him. He searched for a pulse and sighed with relief when he felt the strong beating of Snape's heart.

Harry looked up and saw that Madam Pomfrey and the other mediwizards that had been waiting at the edge of the Forbidden Forest had come onto the battlefield. Harry stood up and waved frantically. 'Madame Pomfrey! Professor Snape is alive, but he's injured. He needs help!'

Pomfrey quickly came over and assessed the injuries. 'He'll be fine, don't worry.' She quickly called over two uninjured members of the Order. 'Find some debris and start transfiguring it into stretchers. But first, put Snape on this stretcher and take him over there,' she said, pointing to a clear area. 'We'll put the wounded there. Harry, help the other mediwizards find the wounded, while I work on the injured.'

Harry nodded and started checking those lying around him. He choked back a sob as he covered Dumbledore's lifeless form.

Harry's heart stopped a few minutes later when he saw Draco sitting by Lucius. Harry ran over, his heart now pounding so hard it felt like it was going to beat through his chest. 'Draco! Is he alive? And what are you doing here? You're supposed to be gone!'

Draco nodded. 'He's hurt, though unconscious. I snuck away from Mrs Weasley and used a fireplace down the road to come to Hogsmeade.'

'Oh. Oi! Over here!' Harry yelled, motioning to a mediwizard. The wizard came over and knelt down beside Lucius, assessing his injuries. 'Take care of him, or I'll make you wish you'd died,' Harry warned. 'Draco, come help me. The sooner we find all those injured, the sooner we can get Lucius and Severus to the school.' Harry went on, not even realising he used Snape's first name.'

A small piece of Harry's heart died when he found Professor McGonagall lying dead amongst a group of Death Eaters. Harry found a tiny amount of solace in the realisation that she took many of her enemies down with her. He covered her body and forced himself to get up, to keep going.





Four hours later, Draco and Harry were still helping Pomfrey, but now they were in the school. All the wounded were now in the hospital wing and the nearby rooms. The injured Death Eaters were in a separate room, which was guarded by Aurors.

Draco and Harry had been put to work, sponge bathing the wounded, since Madam Pomfrey told them to use no Cleaning charms, and they helped bandage the healing injuries.

When they were done, Harry and Draco immediately checked on Lucius and Snape, and Harry also kept a close eye on Sirius and Remus, both of whom were injured during the fight.

Harry looked at Pomfrey, afraid for his godfather. He didn't want Sirius to die, especially with the way things were between them. 'Is Sirius going to be all right? He looks dreadful.' He was no longer worried for his safety, since they had brought Peter Pettigrew in, injured but alive. They had put a spell on him so that he couldn't transform, and he was currently under strict guard. But Sirius had bruises and cuts, and a broken arm. Harry also knew that his godfather had broken ribs, and bruised kidneys. He looked like he had got into a brawl.

'I'm sure he feels dreadful as well,' Pomfrey said tiredly. 'He will be fine, however, and so will Remus, and Severus, and Lucius.' She stressed this point, knowing that Harry was about to ask anyway.

Harry nodded and went to sit by Snape, while Draco tended to his father. He picked up a wet face cloth and wiped the sweat off Snape's forehead.

Draco watched Harry with surprise. He didn't think that the Gryffindor cared very much for Snape, but it was obvious that Draco was wrong. He watched Harry gently wash Snape's face and then kiss his cheek gently.

Harry was well aware that Draco was watching him. 'Professor Dumbledore saved his life, you know. Voldemort was going to use the Avada Kedavra curse on him. Professor Dumbledore stepped in front of him; it gave me my chance.'

'Professor Dumbledore was a good man, better than I thought. I'm sorry he's gone, but I'm glad that Severus is still alive.'

'I am, too. I think Professor Dumbledore fixed what he helped to break long ago,' Harry whispered, thinking about Dumbledore's prejudice against the Slytherins, which almost cost Snape his life and forced Lucius to keep his rape a secret.

Draco nodded. He knew about what happened at the Shrieking Shack. 'Tell me, Potter, what changed your mind about my godfather?'

Harry looked at Draco with surprise. 'I didn't know he was your godfather. Actually, he changed my mind. When I spent time with him, especially making the Blood Poison Potion, I got to see another side of him, one that had nothing to do with school. He's still a complete git, but a likeable one,' he said fondly, pushing a stray hair out of his face.

'And my father? What are you intentions toward him, now that my mother is dead?'

'Your mother?' Harry asked.

Draco sighed. 'She died tonight, on the battlefield.' Seeing Harry's sympathetic look, Draco snorted. 'Don't look so sad, Potter. I wasn't that close to her. I was when I was a child, but since I started school, she's only shown her concern for me in public. Now answer my question.'

Harry sighed. 'The only intention that I have is to stay with him for as long as he'll have me. I love him, Draco. If he wants to bond with me someday, I would be more than happy to, but he'll have to do the asking.'

'Why?'

Harry replied, 'It's simple, really. I'm afraid he'll reject me if I ask. I know he loves me, but I've been rejected for so long, by so many people, that I'm just afraid.'

'I don't think he'll reject you. I've seen the way he looks at you.' Draco sighed. 'Do you know why I was so angry when I found out about you and my father, besides the fact that it was you?'

Harry shook his head and Draco said, 'I wanted my father and Severus to be together. I've always thought that they belonged together. I hated it that you ruined it.'

'I'm sorry, Draco. I didn't know, but I couldn't stop myself from falling for Lucius.'

Draco shook his head. 'It's my fault. I was the one that told Father about your shower escapades.'

Harry chuckled. 'I've been meaning to thank you for that. I don't think that I would have had the courage to approach him, if he hadn't pursued me. I would have been too afraid of rejection. But right now, I'm just glad that he survived. I was so scared, when I saw you sitting beside him, and he was so still. I can't bear the thought of losing him.'

Draco stood up. 'I think I'll go down and have the house-elves bring up some food and tea for the mediwizards. Why don't you sit with Father for awhile?'

Harry nodded and sat next to Lucius. He leant over and kissed Lucius lightly on the mouth. 'Don't ever leave me,' he whispered.





The next few days went by in a blur of activity. Harry and Draco helped the mediwizards take care of the patients, while they waited for their loved ones to wake up. The death tolls were taken, and the casualties weren't as bad as they could have been. As Harry predicted, many of the losses hit him deeply.

Arthur Weasley had died protecting his son, Bill. Bill survived, but he was severely injured, and he was still unconscious. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Viktor Krum, who had come in at the last moment to help, were also dead. So many were injured, some to the point that they would never be the same again.

Four days after the battle, Lucius finally woke up, to find Harry sitting beside him, beaming at him. 'Good morning,' Harry said, leaning over and kissing him softly. 'I was so worried about you.'

'I told you that I would be fine. Why don't you ever listen to me?' Lucius retorted softly.

'My mistake…I'll remember to believe you next time,' Harry said, stroking his lover's hair.

'Where's Severus?' Lucius asked, trying to sit up.

'You stay down until Madam Pomfrey comes to have a look at you. Professor Snape is in the bed next to you. He's fine, but he hasn't regained consciousness.'

'I bet Albus is worried sick about him,' Lucius said.

Harry bit his lip, but he knew he had to tell him. 'Luc', Professor Dumbledore died saving Professor Snape. Voldemort killed him.'

Lucius closed his eyes and sighed wearily. 'Severus is going to be devastated. As much as he hates to admit it, he loves Albus. He won't like it that Albus gave his life to save him.'

'Well, he'll have to get used to it. I'm not going to let him suffer for it. Too many have already died, too many injured. I won't let him get sick over this.'

'Who else died?' Lucius asked.

'Professors McGonagall and Alexander, Arthur Weasley, Narcissa, Crabbe and Goyle's fathers, and others.'

'Narcissa was killed, was she?' Lucius said. 'Ah, well. She chose her side. It's no great loss. I am sorry about the others, though maybe not Crabbe or Goyle. Did you take care of Voldemort?'

Harry nodded. 'Draco and I put the Stone in the Chamber yesterday, while there was a lull in the activities.'

'You and Draco?' Lucius asked, surprised. 'I didn't think the two of you could stand to be in the same room together.'

'Yeah, well, that's what happens when the one person we love most is almost killed,' Harry said lowly, so that others wouldn't hear. Not that he cared, but Lucius didn't like people to be in his personal business. 'We've had a long talk while you were asleep, and we've come to a truce.'

'Good. I told you he would come around.'

'Oh, I don't know if I would go that far, but we've made definite progress.'

'Well, that's better than nothing. Now, do you think you could get me some water? My throat is parched.'

'Of course, love,' Harry said, quickly reaching for the water pitcher and pouring him a glass of water. He slipped a straw into the glass and said, 'Sip slowly.'

Lucius drank some water and then sat back. 'Where is my son?'

'He's running an errand for Madam Pomfrey. He should be here by now. Let me go have a look.' Harry ran to the doors and looked about. He didn't see him, so he went a bit further down the corridor, near the T-junction. He saw Draco down at the end, walking back. He waved him down. 'Lucius is awake,' he said loud enough for Draco to hear.

Draco broke out into a run and passed Harry. Harry could see the relief all over Draco's face. He had been so worried about his father. Harry followed him back slowly, to give the two a moment alone. When he got back, he went to sit beside Snape, willing him to wake up soon.

Harry sponged Snape's face again and stroked his hair back. It was time for him to check on Sirius and Remus as well, and he winked at Lucius, who was gazing at him with a moony look (which Harry easily attributed to Lucius's near-death experience, and fully expected his lover to be back to himself in no time), and went over to his godfather.

Sirius was not yet awake, but he was surprised to see Remus looking at him. Out of all four, Remus had been injured the worst. 'Hello, Remus,' Harry said softly, sitting down on the werewolf's bed. 'I'm glad to see you're awake. I was so worried.'

Remus chuckled hoarsely. 'It would take more than that to bring me down.' He coughed slightly from the dryness of his throat, and Harry quickly poured him some water.

'Here, Remus, drink this. Slowly, you don't want to choke.'

Remus sat back. 'How is Padfoot?' Remus asked, looking over at Sirius.

'He's going to be fine. He hasn't woken up yet. They did catch Pettigrew, though. He's here, under surveillance, with an anti-transformation charm on him. They're taking him to the Ministry for a hearing as soon as he's well. He's awake, and they're just waiting for Madam Pomfrey's okay. If you ask me, she's ready to get rid of him.'

'I don't blame her. Where's Albus? Don't tell me he got injured in all this.'

Harry lowered his eyes. 'Remus, Professor Dumbledore didn't make it. Voldemort killed him. He saved someone's life.'

Harry looked up when he heard Remus let out a strangled sound, and he could see the pain in the werewolf's eyes. Harry sighed and stroked Remus's hair, as the man tried to keep the tears at bay. Harry knew that Remus had loved the man dearly. After all, it was Dumbledore who had given him the opportunity for schooling, and he'd also given Remus a job when no one else would.

When Remus was under control again and sleeping, Harry did his appointed rounds and then went back to sit with Draco and Lucius.





Two days later, Harry walked into the hospital wing, and to his surprise, Sirius was sitting on a chair beside Lucius's bed. Harry went over cautiously, and looked at them questioningly.

'Ah, Harry, there you are,' Lucius said. 'We were just having a little chat.'

Harry's eyebrows disappeared underneath his fringe. 'You were?'

He nodded. 'Black was just apologising for his appalling behaviour while we were in school together.'

'Was he?' Harry asked stupidly, looking from one to the other.

'Yes, and I want to apologise to you as well, Harry. I would have never done the things that I did, not now. I wasn't the same person that I am now. I know that it's difficult for you to believe, but twelve years in Azkaban, and several on the run change your perspective on many things. I am truly sorry about what I did, what I allowed James to do. I should never have done what I did. Please, believe me, Harry.'

Harry looked at Lucius, who nodded slightly. Harry turned to Sirius and gave him a shy smile. 'I forgive you, since Lucius seems to believe that you are sincere. But I better not find out there was a repeat performance on anyone else,' Harry said warningly.

'I swear, that was the only time I ever did something like that. And I am sorry about trying to send Snape after Remus. I wouldn't do that again now, if I had the chance.'

Harry nodded. 'Now off to bed. You're supposed to be resting. Funerals start in two days, and you'll want to attend some of them.'

'Yes, sir,' Sirius said, giving Harry a mock salute, but it was done with a sadness that Harry felt all too well. He wasn't looking forward to the next week.





The funerals went as they usually go, but much to the consternation of Lucius, Snape and Sirius, Harry couldn't seem to find an outlet for his grief. Not once did he shed a tear, even though the normally strong and stoic Snape managed one for both Dumbledore and McGonagall (though he had shed many while in the privacy of his dungeons, where no one would be the wiser).

The days passed, and January faded into February, and still Harry couldn't seem to find a way to grieve for those that had been lost. It wasn't for lack of trying. He'd gone to the gravesites, he'd helped pack the professors' belongings to be sent to their families, and he's started helping with the rebuilding of Hogsmeade.

The school had been postponed until the next year, with the exception of those taking the O.W.L.s and the N.E.W.T.s, whose classes would start up after the normal Easter holidays, and take the tests in early August. Classes would start for the next year around mid- to late-September. That meant that all students but Draco and Harry were sent home, to be with their loved ones.

He hadn't heard from Ron, but Hermione had written twice, and she said that Ron was in denial about his father's death, and he was blaming Harry for not protecting him. Hermione said that she'd tried to talk reason to him, but then he'd stopped speaking to her as well. Molly Weasley had told Hermione to give him some time to cope; since he had held his father in such high regard, it was harder for him than the others.

Harry was relieved to find that not all the Weasleys were against him. Bill, Fred, and George, who were helping the people of Hogsmeade rebuild, assured Harry that they didn't blame him in the least, and that they were proud of their father for his determination to fight for what was right.

But still, Harry was finding himself on edge, and his anger started to lash out at those closest to him. Lucius had finally had enough one day, and he went to speak with Snape, who was acting as temporary Headmaster, until they could find a replacement. They had asked him, but Snape had no desire to run Hogwarts.

'Severus, Harry needs some time away from the castle. I can take care of him, and he's of age. Let me take him away, to London for a week. I can take him shopping and to shows, if he so wishes, and maybe I can break through that damned wall he has around himself right now. I'm afraid that if he stays like that for too long, he's going to snap and end up doing something, possibly to himself.'

Snape nodded. 'Actually, I was going to make that suggestion, if you hadn't. Take him, and make sure he has some kind of breakthrough, even if you have to hex it out of him.'





Harry agreed to the trip to London, and the two set off immediately. Lucius made reservations in the finest hotel, in the penthouse no less.

They spent the first day relaxing and eating, and watching television, which Lucius criticised every chance he got. The second day, he immediately took Harry out shopping. They hadn't brought much with them, since Lucius insisted on buying Harry a new wardrobe, since his current clothing was so "appalling".

Harry milled about the different shops, looking at this thing and that, sometimes asking Lucius what certain things were. Even after seven years, Harry didn't know all that there was to know about the wizarding world, and he was curious. Lucius, to his credit, was patient and he explained everything in as much detail as Harry wanted.

While they were in the sweetshop, where Harry just had to pick up some sweets for himself and Draco, Harry asked Lucius, ' So, what kinds of gifts do you usually like? I mean, I have to have some idea. Your birthday is coming up, after all, and I would like to know what you'd like to receive.'

'Oh, I don't know,' Lucius said. 'I've never got many gifts. Draco's always been young and a bit spoilt, and Narcissa spent every Knut she had on herself. My parents were never big gift-givers.'

'Oh,' Harry said softly, feeling a deep kinship with Lucius. Harry, until he had come to Hogwarts, had never got presents for Christmas or his birthday either. He knew what it was like not to get a gift.

Harry continued his shopping, nodding when Lucius said he'd meet him outside, since the crowd was making him irritable. He was almost done, when he saw something that would make a perfect gift for Lucius. Nothing extravagant, but something that Harry knew his lover would enjoy thoroughly. He quickly picked it up and shoved it into his pile. Thinking on it again, he picked up a few more and went to the clerk.





When they returned to their room, Harry immediately went to shower. He felt like he had an inch of dirt on him, from the heat and the dust that seemed to be everywhere lately. Lucius came in just as Harry got out. Lucius kissed Harry passionately and then tossed him out of the bathroom while he did his business.

Lucius walked out of the bathroom all showered and clean, and Harry licked his lips as his eyes drank in his lover's naked form. 'I love when you walk around starkers,' Harry said.

'So I've noticed,' Lucius replied, smirking, as he stared at his naked lover, who was draped across the sofa in an apparent attempt to seduce Lucius.

Harry smiled. 'I had fun this afternoon. I liked shopping with you.' Harry's eyes lit up brightly. 'Oh! I bought you something,' Harry said, leaning over the arm of the sofa and rummaging through one of his bags. 'I almost forgot.'

'When did you have time to buy something for me?' Lucius asked, sitting down next to Harry.

Harry smiled at him and pulled out a box. 'I saw this and I just had to get it for you,' he said, handing the box to Lucius.

Lucius was oddly touched by the gift. He couldn't remember the last time someone bought him something just because they cared to think of him. 'Thank you,' he said.

Harry leant over and kissed his cheek. 'I know how much you love chocolate.'

Lucius examined the gift closely. It was the biggest Chocolate Frog he had ever seen. It was the size of a bullfrog. '"New and Improved",' Lucius read aloud the words written at the top of the wrapper. 'Let's see about that,' he said, opening the container.

The Frog automatically sprang to life. Letting out a deep croak, it sprang from the box and onto the chair next to the sofa.

'Very nice,' Lucius remarked, reaching for the Frog. The Frog let out a loud croak and leaped off the chair and onto the floor. Lucius frowned. 'Aren't these things supposed to have only one good jump in them?'

Harry looked at the back of the box. He couldn't hide his amusement as he said, '"New and Improved" has nothing to do with its size. The spell on this Chocolate Frog won't wear off until you take a bite out of it.'

'You mean to tell me that I have to chase this blasted thing all over the room until I catch it?'

Harry nodded, his entire body shaking with laughter.

Lucius sighed. 'This is so undignified,' he muttered, lunging for the Frog. It hopped out of the way at the last moment, leaving Lucius sprawled on the floor, empty-handed, giving Harry a rather pleasant view of his arse.

Lucius turned his head and glared at Harry, clearly annoyed. 'Are you going to help me catch this thing, or are you going to just sit there and laugh?'

Chuckling, Harry got up and ran after the Frog. It hopped under the dresser and croaked. Harry got a coat hanger out of the closet and poked underneath the dresser. The Frog crawled back out and leaped away.

Lucius and Harry spend the next five minutes chasing the Frog around the room, laughing at each other's attempts to get the sweet under control. They chased it under the tables, across the floor to the bedroom, underneath the bed and back into the living room.

Lucius had to admit that he hadn't had this much fun in a long time, since he was a child. He'd forgotten what it was like to simply exist, to enjoy life, even if all life threw at you was an insane Chocolate Frog.

Finally, Harry and Lucius go the thing cornered. Harry made a lunge for it and it leaped away, heading straight for Lucius.

Harry's laughter pealed throughout the entire room and Lucius smirked as the Frog slowly climbed up his cock. Lucius reached down and grabbed the Frog, which let out one last croak. Lucius savagely bit off the Frog's head and went to stuff him back in the box. He turned around quickly when he heard a choked sob.

Harry was still sitting in the corner, but he was no longer laughing. Lucius sighed deeply and walked over to Harry. Sitting down next to him, he pulled Harry's shaking body into his arms and rocked him gently, allowing Harry's grief to overcome him.

The dam that had been holding Harry's emotions back finally broke, allowing the young man to feel the pain and heartache that he had ignored for the last two months. All the tears that wouldn't come during the days following Voldemort's defeat finally burst forth, leaving Harry grief-stricken and helpless.

Lucius said nothing. There was nothing he could say to take the pain away from his lover, but he was relieved that Harry had finally let go. He continued rocking Harry as the young man cried.

Harry cried for what seemed like forever. Once the tears started, Harry thought that he'd never be able to stop. He cried for Professor Dumbledore, who had always looked out for his best interests. He cried for Mr Weasley, who had been the closest thing to a father figure that he'd had. He cried for Professor McGonagall, his head of house and a woman that he had come to see as a mother figure. He also cried for all those others who died, the ones he knew, and the ones he didn't know, and he cried for those who lost their loved ones.

Lucius stroked Harry's hair, trying to soothe him as much as he could without interfering. When Harry's sobs slowly ebbed into hitches and shuddering breaths, Lucius got off the floor and pulled Harry up. Picking his lover up, Lucius carried Harry into the bedroom and deposited him on the bed. He pulled the sheet over Harry and slid in with him. He pulled Harry into his arms and kissed him softly. 'Feel better, love.'

Harry nodded and took a deep breath. He did feel better, now that he had let himself feel. His heart hurt painfully, but it was the good kind of hurt, the kind that allowed his wounds to heal. 'It's not fair,' he whispered.

'What's not fair, Harry?'

'Everything. Arthur Weasley, Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall…I tried to save them all, and they still died. Why?'

'Because people die, Harry. It's not fair, and it seems cruel sometimes, but it's a part of life. In war, people get killed, whether they are innocent or guilty. The only thing that we can do now is to pick up the pieces, and hope that everything turns out for the better. Nothing will be the same. It's just not possible.'

'I know,' Harry said sleepily. 'Can I go to sleep? I'm so tired.' 'Of course. I'll stay right here.'





Lucius woke up to slow, gentle kisses sliding over his lips and a hand slowly scratching through the patch of hair surrounding his cock.

He moaned contentedly and opened his eyes slowly. Harry pulled back and smiled softly at his lover before resuming his soft, apologetic kisses.

Ever since the battle, Harry had not really wanted intimate contact all that much, and their sex life had suffered. Lucius hadn't complained, since he knew that Harry was dealing with much more serious things. Now, he wanted more than anything to make it up to him, to show him how much he loved him.

Lucius knew what Harry was doing, and he was content to let his lover do whatever he wished. He responded to the kisses fervently, his tongue darting out slightly, licking the flesh just behind Harry's lips, before dipping in further to his lover's inviting mouth. Lucius's hands slid around Harry's body and stroked his back gently, massaging the small of his back for a moment before sliding down further, his fingers gently tracing the crack of his arse.

Harry moaned into his lover's mouth and sucked on Lucius's tongue in appreciation. Harry slid his hand down his lover's arm and pushed those teasing fingers harder into his crevice, asking for more.

Lucius was more than happy to comply. Lucius had been deprived of frequent tastes of his lover for the last couple of months, and he wasn't about to decline. He quickly picked up his wand and flipped the two of them over. He used his wand for a quick lubricating spell, foregoing the more pleasurable ways of preparing his lover.

Harry hadn't been this horny in such a long time. He eagerly grasped the backs of his knees and pulled them up to his chest. He felt Lucius slide a pillow underneath the small of his back, and he arched his back as Lucius slipped into him with one quick thrust. 'Oh….' Harry gasped, as Lucius started pounding into him, not giving him a moment to adjust, and Harry screamed as his prostate was hit over and over again.

Lucius leant over further and kissed Harry gently, while thrusting as hard as possible, in that particular position. 'Do you like this?' he asked, punctuating every syllable with a deep stroke.

Harry opened his mouth to tell him how much he loved being fucked by him, but he wasn't able to form a coherent word to save his life. All he could manage was a strangled 'Yaaar.'

'I'll take that as a "yes",' Lucius gasped, his hand sliding between their bodies. It had been awhile, and Lucius didn't think that he could last all that long. He stroked Harry's prick in time with their thrusts, and shuddered as he came.

Harry felt Lucius release inside him, which pushed him to the edge, and with another rough stroke to his prick and a nail gently sliding over the tip, Harry screamed and coated his lover's fingers and his own stomach with his spunk.





Three hours later, after a rest, a shower, and another bout of lovemaking, this time a little slower and much sweeter, Harry was eyeing Lucius with a curiosity that immediately put Lucius on edge. 'What is it, Harry?'

'I've been wondering something. What was your relationship with Severus?'

Lucius frowned. 'Is it that important?' he asked, wondering where this was going.

Harry nodded. 'I'm curious. I know you've been close, but were you lovers? In school or after?'

'Why is this so important?' Lucius asked.

Harry shrugged. 'It's just that…well, I saw him looking at us the other day, and he looked…wistful, almost sad. Then I saw him looking at you that way, when you weren't looking. I've seen him look at me that way, but when he sees me staring at him, trying to figure it out, he shuts those damned walls he has. I was curious.'

Lucius sighed. 'Yes, we've been lovers off and on over the years. My guess is that he's lonely.'

Harry sighed softly. 'I don't want him to be sad. I don't want anyone to be.'

'What in the blazes are you on about? What do you really want?'

'I want to know if you still have feelings for him,' Harry said boldly.

'What? How dare you ask me that? You know I love you,' Lucius growled.

'I know that, love, but I'm asking about him.'

'I'm not talking about this with you,' Lucius growled again, scowling at him.

'Fine, I'll drop this for now, but I'm bringing it up again later. I want him to be happy, even if that means…'

'Means what?'

'Even if that means that he becomes involved with us.'

'WHAT?' Lucius yelled.

'Oh, come on, Luc'. Don't tell me you haven't thought about it.' Harry said.

'I most certainly have not,' Lucius lied, blushing slightly, much to his horror.

'Fine. Have it your way, but we're talking about this again,' Harry said, turning over onto his side.

Lucius slid behind him and wrapped his arms around him. 'No, we're not.'

'Yes, we are. Now quiet. I'm tired.'





A week later, Harry and Lucius went back to Hogwarts, and Harry was feeling better. He had a few moments where he could do nothing but cry in his lover's arms, the only place he really felt comfortable letting his emotions run free, but Harry could finally feel that he was going to make it through Voldemort's destruction.





Chapter Eleven: New Beginnings


Harry rolled over and stared at his lover, who was sleeping peacefully. Harry still couldn't believe that he had fallen in love with the man beside him. They were so different, yet they seemed to complement each other well. Harry figured it was because even though the two had differing viewpoints on many matters, they were willing to hear each other out, and compromise most of the time.

Lucius could feel Harry's gaze upon him. He wasn't asleep, but only marvelling at his life as it currently was. He had someone he loved in his bed, which was almost a first, since he had always loved Severus. He had hated Narcissa, who had been a means to an end. She had given him the heir he needed, and that was more than enough. He had to admit that he was glad that the bitch was dead. He was only sorry that he hadn't rendered the curse that killed her.

Lucius was amazed at how much his life had changed, and he really had Harry to thank for that, not that he was going to do so. Lucius had sacrificed much to get where he was now, and he was content with his choices.

Lucius smiled slightly when he felt Harry kiss his shoulder. He was also lucky to have a lover who loved to be touched, who craved his touch. Lucius knew that Harry's need for contact came from years of never being touched in caring by his useless Muggle relatives, and Lucius didn't mind putting his hands all over his lover, as much as Harry needed or wanted.

Lucius slid onto his side and pulled Harry close to him. He gently pressed his lips to Harry. 'Good morning, Harry.'

'Morning,' Harry murmured, leaning in for another kiss.

'Did you sleep well? There for a moment, I thought you had been having a nightmare,' Lucius said. Lucius woke up in the middle of the night to see Harry thrashing slightly, but before he could move to wake Harry, the dream seemed to have stopped.

Harry chuckled. 'I did, but it wasn't about Voldemort or anything. I was running from Professor Snape, who was holding the results of my Potions N.E.W.T., and he was about to curse me for failing it.'

Lucius laughed loudly. 'You know that you passed that test. I don't know why you're worried.'

Harry grinned and shrugged. 'I know I passed, but I think it was more about disappointing Professor Snape than actually worrying about the test.'

'Well, I know you won't disappoint Severus.'

'Speaking of my Potions master, what do you want to do? Have you thought anymore about what I suggested?'

'I have. I'd love for him to be with us, but what about you? If you really don't want it, it won't happen.'

Harry smiled at his lover and pushed a strand of hair out of Lucius's eyes, tucking it behind his ear. 'I do want this. He really is an incredible person, and he's sexy. I like spending time with him, and I know that you love him. I think I might love him just a little bit as well,' he admitted. 'I'd love for him to stay with us, and as an added bonus, I think Draco would be happy as well. I know that Professor Snape misses you. I can see it when he looks at you, and he thinks that no one is looking.'

'Very well. When do you want to speak with him?' Lucius asked. 'You'll have to do it, so that he knows you're fine with this. You may even have to seduce him to get what we want.'

'That sounds promising,' Harry said brightly. 'I'll wait until after the results of all the N.E.W.T.s are out. That way, no one can try to say that he played favourites or fixed my mark, or something. I know he'd never do that, but you know how people are.'

'Yes, I do,' Lucius said, remembering the spectacular amount of Howlers he had got when his and Harry's relationship was revealed to the populace. 'The results come out next Friday, do they not?'

Harry nodded. 'I know you'll be working, but you can join us in Professor Snape's room when you're done. If all goes well, that's where we'll be, tucked nicely into bed.'

Lucius chuckled. 'I have no doubt about your abilities to get him into bed. In case you haven't noticed, I've seen him staring longingly at you as well. I think he's as taken with you as you seem to be with him.'

'Good. That will make my seduction that much easier, and it will give him more time to shag me senseless….Speaking of sex,' Harry murmured, sliding on top of Lucius.





A week later, the N.E.W.T. results were posted, and Harry was happy. He got N.E.W.T.s in all the classes he had taken, and he had done better than he expected. So he had a light heart when he quickly made his way down to the dungeons, to seduce Severus Snape and snag his very own Potions master.

Harry knocked on Snape's office door, but he got no answer. He went next door and found his professor going through his supplies, packing away ingredients for the summer, and throwing away the ones that were no longer usable. 'Hello, Professor,' Harry said happily, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

Snape looked up, surprised to find Harry in his classroom. 'Potter, what are you doing here? I would think that you'd be out celebrating. You had a rather impressive list of N.E.W.T.s. You should be proud.'

'Oh, I am, Professor, but I had other ideas about celebrating,' Harry replied, walking up to Snape.

Snape watched Harry with interest. 'Do you? I wouldn't think that helping me pack away and discard ingredients could replace a proper celebration with your friends,' he replied.

Harry reached for the jar in Snape's hand, and he made sure that his hand slid over Snape's, caressing it softly. He took the jar and set it on the table. 'Actually, that's not what I had in mind.'

'Then what did you have in mind?' Snape asked. He was more than a little nervous, although the average observer wouldn't notice any change in his demeanour.

Harry wasn't average. He had spent enough time in Snape's presence to know he'd unnerved him. Harry stepped closer. 'For one thing, I'm going to take you into your bedroom and make sure you get some sleep. But first, Severus, I'm going to put you in your bathtub and scrub the dust off you, and then we're getting into bed and you're going to take your time while you shag me until I scream myself hoarse.'

'Excuse me? I don't think that I heard you correctly,' Snape said, staring at Harry as if he'd gone mad.

'You heard me perfectly well,' Harry said, sliding his arms around Snape's waist.

'Lucius wouldn't-'

Harry stood on the tips of his toes and kissed Snape quiet. 'Lucius knows I'm here. He'll be here later tonight, which is why I want you to sleep now. I know he's going to want to bugger you senseless,' Harry promised.

'Harry, why are you doing this?' Snape asked, shivering slightly as Harry's hands caressed his back.

'Severus, let's go to your room, and while you're bathing, I'll answer your question. Trust me, please,' Harry said.

Snape sighed and nodded. After all the time that he'd spent with Harry, he knew that the young man wouldn't do anything distrustful. He led Harry to his room, unable to believe the turn his life seemed to be taking.

When inside, Harry kissed Snape again, slowly and gently. Pulling away, Harry smiled. 'Come on, let's get all that dust off of you. What were you doing, anyway?'

'I was in the storage room. The house-elves aren't permitted in there, and there's dust all over,' Snape replied as he allowed Harry to pull him into his bathroom.

Harry turned on the tap and adjusted the temperature, making sure the water wasn't too hot. Then he turned and helped Snape pull off his robes. 'Mm…only boxers. Good,' he murmured, pushing Snape slightly, indicating that he should sit on the toilet.

Harry dropped to his knees and pulled Snape's shoes and socks off. He spread open Snape's legs and moved between them. Harry wrapped his arms around his professor's neck. 'Do you trust me?' he asked softly.

'Of course I do,' Snape said a bit impatiently. 'If I didn't, you wouldn't be here.'

'I'm just making sure,' Harry said lightly. Harry nipped Snape's bottom lip playfully. 'Let's get these boxers off and while I clean you all over, we'll talk.'

Harry got up and pulled Snape up. Harry slid his hands under the elastic waistband and slowly slid the boxers off. After sliding his hands across the Potions master's arse and squeezing lightly, Harry stepped back and let Snape step into the tub. Harry reached over and turned off the tap.

'Doesn't that feel better?' Harry asked, grabbing a face cloth and soap. He started scrubbing Snape's chest.

Snape sat back and enjoyed Harry's attentions. 'So, tell me, Harry, what is going on, not that I'm complaining. That feels quite wonderful.'

Harry chuckled. 'I'm glad you approve. Severus, Lucius and I have talked about this for some time, and we decided that we want you to be with us. We want you to be our lover, if you want to.'

Snape looked at him, confused. 'Why would you two want me? You have each other.'

Harry smiled. 'Severus, Lucius loves you, and I'm rather fond of you myself. I don't want to lose that, and neither does he. We enjoy having you around, and personally, I think you're really sexy,' Harry said. He leant over and kissed Snape on the cheek. 'This isn't some whim, some fling where you go home the morning after. We want you, for as long as you want us. We want a relationship with you.'

'Again, I don't see why. You two have something that I never thought Lucius would have. Why would you want to change that?'

'Didn't you hear me? He loves you, and so do I. We've talked this through. Please, Severus. Look, just give us a chance. If you don't like being with us, then you're free to leave. We just want to be with you. Please?'

Snape really wanted to protest, but he couldn't force himself to do so. The prospect of having a relationship with the two men that he found so desirable was too good to pass up. 'All right, I'll consent to this.'

'Brilliant!' Harry said, leaning over and kissing Snape passionately. He pulled back and continued washing Snape, paying close attention to his private bits, smiling at the little gasps coming from his lover's mouth every time he rubbed his thumb over the tip of Snape's cock.

Harry lathered Snape's hair and rinsed it off, carefully avoiding getting the shampoo in the Potions master's eyes. He didn't use conditioner, since Snape's hair tended to be naturally oily.

After Snape was out of the tub and dried off, Harry quickly pulled him to the bed. Harry toed off his shoes and pulled off his socks. He impatiently yanked his robes over his head and sniggered when he heard Snape gasp slightly.

'Do you always walk around without wearing anything under your robes?' Snape asked curiously.

Harry shook his head. 'Today is special. You're special. Now get in this bed and fuck me!'

'Language, Harry,' Snape growled, pushing Harry down on the bed.

From that moment on, Snape was in complete control. He slowly crawled onto the bed, sliding his body over Harry's inch by inch, touching him as little as possible. When he was face to face with his young lover, he leant down and softly brushed his lips over Harry's.

Harry was going crazy from the feathery kiss, but every time he tried to make this kiss firmer, Snape pulled away. It was only when Harry whimpered pathetically that Snape allowed the kiss to deepen slightly.

Snape slid his tongue softly over Harry's bottom lip before darting the tip quickly into Harry's panting mouth. Slowly, he brought his body down to lie on top of Harry, even as his tongue continued dancing along Harry's mouth, teasing relentlessly but promising more.

Harry's breath became shallow and his eyes dilated in his passion. He wanted Snape, but the man just wouldn't co-operate. This wasn't exactly what he had in mind, but Harry couldn't complain. He loved the feel of Snape's tongue darting over his mouth, playing with his mouth and his mind. He never thought that Snape would actually be a playful sort of lover.

Taking pity on the whimpering, writhing man beneath him, Snape slid his tongue inside his lover's mouth, exploring every single inch. It was his turn to gasp when Harry started sucking on his lover's tongue gently, the feeling of Harry's tongue massaging his going straight to his groin.

Evidently Harry noticed the direction his blood was going, because Harry groaned lowly and flexed his hips upwards, rubbing against his lover. Snape pulled back. 'Who is in charge here?' he asked, looking down at Harry with amusement.

'You are,' Harry said, pouting slightly. 'But I want you now.'

Snape melted inwardly. To Harry, he asked, 'Does that work with Lucius?'

Harry grinned. 'Every single time,' he murmured, stroking his lover's back. 'Please, make love to me.'

'Turn over, Harry,' Snape ordered as he got up. He went over to the dresser and picked up a bottle of lotion while Harry eagerly flipped over, his head lying on his arms and his arse shoved up in the air.

Snape chuckled when he turned around and saw Harry. 'Eager, aren't we, Mr Potter?'

Harry nodded. 'Yes, now please stick that beautiful cock inside of me, and don't call me Mr Potter!'

Snape slid between Harry's legs and kissed a trail along his lover's back, all the way down to his cheeks. He slid his tongue down the crease of Harry's arse, teasing his hole slightly.

'Severus, please!' Harry said impatiently.

Snape smirked and squirted some lotion onto his hand. He coated a finger and slid it inside Harry's hole, eliciting the reaction that he expected.

'Severus! You don't have to do that! I'm more than ready. I want you to take me now.'

'I realise that this is quite unnecessary, but I've found that it's much more fun if I torment you,' Snape replied, sliding a second finger in, curling his fingers to tease Harry's prostate.

'Sev!' Harry yelped, pushing back against his lover's fingers.

Snape continued brushing across Harry's prostate relentlessly, listening to Harry's cries and pleas for more. He pulled his fingers out and coated his prick with more of the lotion. He positioned himself at Harry's entrance quickly, and he slid inside with one quick thrust.

Harry howled with both pain and pleasure. Harry relaxed a little more and the pain went away. He pushed back against Snape, wanting him to move. Snape moved after a moment, in slow deep thrusts, angling himself to brush over Harry's prostate.

Harry moaned happily while Snape's thrusts increased until he was pounding into Harry relentlessly. After awhile, Harry got up on his hands and knees and started pushing back into Snape, wanting more.

Snape was happy to comply, pounding into Harry as hard as he could. When he felt his balls tightening, Snape reached around and grabbed his lover's cock, stroking him quickly.

Harry yelled unintelligibly and came, coating his lover's hand. Snape thrust in a few more times and shuddered as he released inside his lover.

Both Harry and Snape slumped onto the bed, exhausted and shaking slightly. Snape pulled out of Harry and summoned the face cloth that Harry had used in the bath. He wiped Harry and the bed off, and pulled Harry close to him. He kissed Harry's forehead and sighed happily. 'I think I'm ready for that nap now,' he murmured.

Harry laughed. 'I'd have to agree, love,' Harry said sleepily.





Lucius entered Snape's room via the fireplace and dusted himself off. He didn't particularly enjoy travelling by Floo powder, but it was faster than Apparating to the gates of Hogwarts and traipsing through the castle.

Lucius had wanted to come earlier, but business at the Ministry took longer than he expected, but he finally got everything in order, at least for now. Most of the remaining Death Eaters were scheduled to be given the Dementor's Kiss, before the remaining Dementors were destroyed. It had been decided that the Dementors were too much of a risk to be reassigned to Azkaban.

Azkaban was also going to be renovated. The gaol was grossly outdated, and things needed to be fixed, the furniture replaced, the cells redone, and the wards needed to be re-established. None of that included the damage that Voldemort had done while he temporarily took control of the prison.

Lucius had been surprised when people nominated him to act as temporary Minister for Magic when Fudge had been thrown out of office for his incompetence, and when he had taken the position, he didn't realise how much work had to be done. He also had to re-organise most of the departments, now that all the Voldemort supporters had been removed, and he had to make sure that the new laws granting all sentient magical creatures, such as werewolves, their rights were passed.

Lucius quietly walked over to Severus's bed and smiled softly. His lovers were sleeping peacefully, wrapped around each other. Lucius was glad that Severus was getting peaceful rest. It had been so long since he'd been able to sleep for long stretches at a time, and Lucius hoped that his friend would decide to stay with them.

Lucius quickly but quietly took off his robes and his underclothes, and he carefully slipped into bed, sliding up behind Severus. He kissed his lover behind the ear and kissed Harry's hand.

Lucius smiled when Harry sat up slightly and looked over at him. 'Hi,' he whispered.

'Hello, love. I'm sorry that I was so late. Ministry business.'

'It's about time that you got here,' Snape growled, turning around to face him.

Lucius kissed him apologetically. 'I had to get the work finished. I'm taking tomorrow off, so that I can spend the day with the men in my life.'

'Good,' Snape said, pulling Lucius closer. 'Harry said that you were going to come here and bugger me senseless. I've been waiting, and now I want what he promised.'

Lucius pushed Snape back and straddled his lover's thighs. 'Oh, I think that I can manage that,' Lucius said seductively. He reached down and fondled Snape's balls with one hand and slid his fingers up and down Snape's cock with the other, bringing Snape to hardness.

From the side of the bed, Harry watched Lucius play with their lover, and Harry's hand went down to his own cock, stroking himself until his prick was weeping. His mouth dropped open when Lucius coated Snape's erection with lotion. Lucius manoeuvred himself so that his arse was parallel with his lover's erection and he slid on top of it slowly, hissing, but not stopping until Snape was fully sheathed inside of him.

'Why haven't I ever been on top?' Harry asked.

'You never asked,' Lucius replied, sliding up Snape's shaft and pushing back down slowly.

Lucius reached over and held onto the headboard, finding his balance and a better angle to impale himself on his lover. He moaned loudly as he relished the feel of Snape's prick massaging his channel. It had been so long since he'd felt his friend inside him, and it felt wonderful.

Harry watched, enraptured. Watching his two lovers go at it was extremely erotic, and Harry's hand continued to stroke his cock without him realising it.

Snape motioned over to Harry. 'Come here,' he said.

Harry eagerly crawled over and did as Snape directed. Lucius moved back and allowed Harry to position his cock over Snape's mouth, and he used Harry for balance as he continued to ride his lover.

Harry slowly and carefully slid his prick into Snape's mouth, not wanting to choke his lover. He had no idea how good his lover was at deep throating, and he didn't want to hurt him.

Harry thrust slightly when Snape moaned, and he thrust in more deeply when Snape moaned again, a little louder. Harry groaned loudly when his shaft slid down Snape's throat and his lover swallowed around it. Soon enough, he found a rhythm that was pleasurable to him and didn't hurt his lover.

Harry was the first to come, and Snape swallowed his lover's spunk greedily. Harry carefully pulled out of Snape's mouth and collapsed next to his lovers, panting. When he had the energy, he turned his head and kissed Snape deeply. He could taste himself inside his lover's mouth, and he thought his cock might twitch if he weren't so tired.

Lucius and Snape switched positions so that Lucius was on his hands and knees, and Snape was behind him, pounding into him relentlessly. Harry slid underneath Lucius and took his lover's prick into his mouth, sucking him off.

Lucius screamed as he came, and his arsehole clenched around his lover, causing Snape to come inside him with one last thrust. Harry pulled out from underneath his lovers just before they sank into the mattress, both boneless and satiated.

'Lovely, isn't it?' Harry asked happily, moving over so his lovers could break apart and get comfortable. He only got grunts for an answer, but he hadn't really expected one.

After much moving and fussing, and a bit of name-calling, the three were comfortable enough to fall asleep, Snape happily sandwiched between Harry and Lucius.





Harry woke up the next morning to a nose gently nuzzling behind his ear. Harry moaned happily and leaned into the caress. He chuckled lightly when teeth came up to playfully nip at his skin.

'Good morning, Severus,' Harry said softly.

Snape pulled back to let Harry stretch. The blankets were pushed down to their waists, so Snape admired Harry's lithe upper body as Harry stretched his arms over his head. 'How did you know it was me?' he asked.

'Lucius doesn't do that,' Harry said, wrapping his arms around Snape and pulling him closer. 'I like it, though,' Harry murmured before placing light kisses all over Snape's jaw.

Snape growled and swooped in for a kiss, temporarily ignoring the fact that both of them had the dreaded "morning breath."

'Where is Lucius anyway?' Harry whispered breathlessly, after Snape had released him.

'Toilet,' Snape replied. It was all he could manage, since he was as breathless as Harry was.

'Good morning,' Lucius said brightly. Snape and Harry looked up to see a refreshed blond staring down at them. 'The bathroom is free.'

'Good, because I've got to use it,' Harry said, jumping up and rushing toward the bathroom. Lucius and Snape laughed, as the door slammed shut.

Snape sat up, regarding Lucius curiously. 'Are you sure about this, Lucius?' he asked.

Lucius knew what he was referring to. 'Yes, I'm positive, and so is Harry. We thought about this carefully, and it is indeed what we want.'

'You didn't force Harry into this arrangement, did you?'

Lucius slid back into bed. He'd decided to take the day off, to make plans with his lovers. 'Of course not! In fact, Harry's the one who brought it up. He's the one that convinced me that I could have both of you. And this isn't just an "arrangement". We both want you in our lives permanently, if that is what you want.'

Snape feigned thought. 'Let me see…a lifetime stuck between two gorgeous men, with brilliant sex, intelligent conversation, and I can actually get some sleep? It will be a hardship, no doubt, but I think that I can manage.'

Lucius smiled as he pulled Snape closer. 'I'm sure it will be. At least Draco will be thrilled.'

'What?'

'Draco didn't like my relationship with Harry, mostly because he wanted you and I together. That was one of his greatest reasons. Of course, he and Harry also couldn't stand the sight of each other, but they're getting over that.'

'Who's getting over what?' Harry asked, coming out of the bathroom. 'It's all yours,' Harry said to Snape.

As Snape got up, Lucius told Harry, 'You and Draco are getting over your animosity toward each other.'

'Oh, that,' Harry said, chuckling. 'Yeah, we are, but I wouldn't count on us becoming best friends any time soon.'

Lucius laughed and pulled Harry onto the bed. 'I would be shocked if you were.'

Harry straddled Lucius and wound his arms around his lover's neck. 'So, what are we going to do today, as if I didn't already have some idea?'

'The first thing that we're going to do, my insatiable lover, is talk about our future. We've got to decide what we all want to do.'

Harry shrugged. 'I'm up for anything, as long as I get to spend time with you and Severus.'

'That won't be a problem,' Lucius murmured, his hands sliding up and down Harry's body, exploring languidly. 'I don't think we'll be letting you out of our sight for any length of time.'

'I'll have to agree with that,' Snape said, sliding back into bed. He slid over next to Lucius, and Harry turned so that he was sitting on Lucius's lap, with his legs draped over Snape's lap. 'So, what do you want to do? Do you want to continue to teach, or are you ready to move on?'

'Are you insane? Do you think that I would stay here and teach, now that Voldemort is no longer a threat?'

'Then what do you want to do?' Harry asked.

'I'd like to own my own business, selling potions, obviously, and perhaps some specialised ingredients.'

'In other words, an apothecary,' Harry said cheekily.

'Yes, brat, but I would like my business to be a higher class establishment,' Snape replied.

'Then I say go for it!' Harry said happily.

'If it were that simple,' Snape muttered.

'What do you mean?' Harry asked. 'You're a brilliant potion maker. You'd have people and companies lining up just for the quality of your potions alone.'

'That's quite flattering, Harry, but I don't have that kind of money. I've been saving for the shop, but I don't have half of what it would cost for a building, ingredients, advertisements, supplies, and hiring someone to run the business while I brew.'

Harry slid over and straddled Snape's lap. He linked his hands behind his lover's neck. 'Well, this is your lucky day,' Harry replied happily. 'Lucius and I were discussing what I should do. Now I know. I want to help you with your dream.'

'Meaning…' Snape prompted.

'Meaning, I want to go into business with you. I have enough money left in my vault to help get the business off the ground, and I can gather all kinds of ingredients while you're brewing. Lucius will help me learn the financial aspects, won't you, love?'

'Of course I will. Nothing would make me happier than helping Severus, and you, of course,' Lucius replied, stroking Harry's arm.

Snape shook his head. 'Harry, I can't let you spend the last of your money on this. You should do something that you want to do. I'll find another way.'

Harry shook his head, frowning. 'Didn't you hear me earlier. I want to be near you and Lucius. I don't want to go off exploring the world, unless the two of you come with me. I know that I'd be really happy doing this, Severus. Think about it. The two of you can give me something that I've never had…a stable home. This will be a stable job as well, one that I'll like doing.'

'I still don't think-'

'Well I do,' Harry said stubbornly. 'And it will be good for you as well. You won't have to deal with morons, and business will be bloody great, especially at the beginning. Even those people who are so stupid that they still don't want to do business with you, and I'll never understand that, they'll come in anyway, to see me. And no, I'm not being arrogant. I'm just being sensible. You see the way these people act when they see me now. I got rid of the Dark Lord…again, and this time, I knew what I was doing, thanks to the two of you and Albus. Those people will come in, and I can convince them to buy. And then, they'll keep coming back, not for me, but because you will have the best bloody potions that they've ever got! And don't forget about the werewolves. You'll make a big selling point with the Wolfsbane, though I hope you'll keep the prices low, since we still have to get the werewolves their rights. Most of them are like Remus. They don't have much at all. The potion will be a great improvement for them, and it may help them get jobs, if people think that they're safe. I know you can do it. You're too good, too talented. You won't fail, you'll thrive.'

'You seem so sure of my abilities,' Snape said, feeling strangely embarrassed by the praise. No one had ever given him such praise, and he wasn't sure what to think of it.

'I am. I know what you're capable of, and besides, I love watching you work. That's the best reason yet. I'd love to do this with you, if you'll let me help you. Please?'

Lucius watched Harry as his lover tried to convince Snape to agree to the partnership. He knew that Harry wasn't making the offer out of pity or a sense of duty. Harry really wanted to do it. But Lucius knew that he didn't have to worry about Snape not accepting. Harry had clenched it, when he made Snape realise how much he believed in the Potions master. 'I'll help you in any way as well. I'd like to go into the business with the two of you as well, as a silent partner. I'll help Harry learn the financial part of the business, and then the two of you will run the business as you see fit. I'll always be there to help, of course.'

Snape sighed. 'How can I say no to that? If the two of you really want to do this with me, how can I resist?'

Harry smiled brightly and kissed Snape passionately. 'Thank you, Severus! We've got so many plans to make! We need to start making plans now. Let me go and find some parchment, a quill and ink!'

Lucius and Snape watched Harry jump off the bed and run across the room, his half-hard cock bobbing up and down happily as he ran. They both looked at each other and moaned softly. Both thought that Harry's enthusiasm was endearing.

Harry came back, parchments, a quill and ink in hand. He sat at the end of the bed and dipped the quill into the black ink. Thoughtfully chewing the end, he said, 'What do we need to do first?'

Now that Snape's dream was going to become a reality, Snape was actually excited; not that he'd ever show it. But his two lovers knew him well enough that he didn't have to. 'I think one of the first things we need to do is decide where we're going to place the apothecary. Diagon Alley already has one, as does Hogsmeade, not that I want to work in either of those places.'

'Well, how about somewhere near Malfoy Manor. If we advertise properly, people will come to the business, especially if we're offering higher quality potions and ingredients,' Lucius said.

'That's an excellent idea, Luc',' Snape said. 'It also means that most wizards and witches will have to Apparate, and they won't bring their children along to wreck the store.'

Harry chuckled. 'Leave it to you to find that particular silver lining,' he said. 'We can also keep a few greenhouses full of ingredients at Malfoy Manor. I suggest that we offer Neville Longbottom the job of caring for the plants.'

Snape started to protest, but Harry held up his hand. 'Severus, think about it. Neville has been fretting about finding a job. He's become an excellent Herbology student, especially when Moody, or Crouch, whoever it was, told him that Professor Sprout complimented him. That was true. She's praised him several times, and it's done wonders for him. His marks are higher in Herbology than Hermione's. He'd be perfect. He'd have a home, and a job that he loved, and he can help pay for his parents' care.'

Snape nodded. 'Yes, that's fine then. I'll ask him myself.'

Harry smirked. 'Okay, but be nice. Or at least, don't be mean.'

'All right,' Snape said. 'We also need to start gathering ingredients and drying out the ones that need it. We also need to harvest some of the plants that are in bloom now.'

'Get me a list, and Harry and I can work on that,' Lucius said. 'You've got to help the new Headmaster or Headmistress, whomever that might be, find a new Potions master.'

Snape said, 'I've been thinking about that. I was thinking that if Miss Granger was willing, she'd be an excellent Potions mistress.'

'Do you really think so?' Harry asked.

'Of course. She is a know-it-all, but she's quite skilled at Potions. She's the top of your class, as you well know. I think she'd make an excellent professor.'

'Then you'd better talk to her today. She's still deciding what to do, but she'll be deciding soon, if I know her.'

'I'll speak with her today.' Snape thought for a moment. 'We'll need a name for the shop, and we'll need to decide on the types of advertisements that we'll use. We'll need to decide which ingredients we'll sell, and we'll need to decide on prices.'

Harry wrote down everything quickly. 'This is really good. We can go into more detail later,' Harry said, setting the parchment, quill and ink on the floor. He smiled shyly and then pounced on his lovers. He kissed each of them in turn. 'If you don't mind, I'd like the two of you to bugger me senseless, before we go out and start putting our plans into motion.'

Snape and Lucius moved and pushed Harry down on the bed. 'I think we can manage that,' Lucius said.

'I quite agree,' Snape murmured.





One Month Later


Snape looked around one more time at the chamber that had been his room for eighteen years. He was actually going to miss the room, even if he wouldn't really miss the teaching. The one thing that he was really going to miss was Albus.

Even though the man had failed him and Lucius when they were younger, the man had come to mean much to the former Potions master, and he'd miss their chats. Snape had actually come to trust the man in later years, and deep down he knew that if they were to go back, Albus would have done things much differently.

It was hard for Snape to think that Albus was never going to come back to Hogwarts, that during the Feast tomorrow night, Albus wouldn't be there. Instead, Headmistress Sinistra would be heading Hogwarts, welcoming in a new generation that was ready and willing to be educated, and a bit terrified of a new element in their lives. Secretly, Snape had always enjoyed the start-of-term feast, which was something that no one else had ever known, except Albus.

Snape took one last look around the room, feeling like a sentimental old fool, and walked out. He closed the painting and said goodbye to Salazar Slytherin, who had guarded his home since the first day he had come to Hogwarts.

He stopped by the Potions classroom. Hermione was busy brewing Pepper-Up Potion for Madam Pomfrey. 'Hello, Miss Granger. I just wanted to let you know that you can move in whenever you wish.'

Hermione turned around and smiled at Snape. 'Thank you, Mr Snape. As difficult as you've made my life, you've made me a better person for it. It's been an honour to be taught by you. I only hope that I'll make you proud.'

Snape smiled slightly. 'Miss Granger, I have no doubt that you will excel. Good luck. If you need anything, owl me.'

Hermione nodded. 'I will. Thank you. Oh, and Mr Snape, please take care of Harry. Make sure he's happy. He deserves to be.'

'I'll do my best,' Snape assured her. 'Goodbye, Miss Granger. I'm sure I'll be seeing you for dinner sometime soon. No doubt Weasley will be tormenting me with his presence as well.'

'I'm sure he will. Goodbye.'





Harry looked up and saw Snape emerge from the castle. He stood up and smiled at his lover. 'Are you ready to go home? We've got so much to do. I know we won't be opening until Christmas, but since you've already got requests from Hogwarts and St. Mungo's, we need to get started.'

Snape nodded and held out the Portkey. Harry wasn't going for his Apparating lessons until October, and Snape wouldn't risk Harry's trying, even though he'd been reading about the craft diligently. 'Yes, let's go home. Lucius is waiting for us.'