Going Under

'Was that really necessary, Potter? Contrary to popular belief, I'm not dense.'

'What?' came the innocent question.

'I know what you're doing. Now if you would kindly step away so that you do not ruin my work,' Snape said in his most menacing Potions master's voice.

Harry slid his hands up to mould around Snape's waist, a wisp of a smile gracing his face. The sound of that tone reminded him of his days as a schoolboy at Hogwarts. Those had been happy times for him, despite Voldemort's insisting upon ending his life. 'Do you realise how sexy you are when you're irritated?'

'I am most assuredly not sexy now, nor have I ever been,' Snape snapped in indignant protest. 'Now would you please? I'm trying to finish the last of these potions that you ordered, and I'd hate to ruin them because I cannot concentrate.'

'You're no fun,' Harry said, stepping away from his newest acquisition. 'How much longer do you think you'll be?'

'I'll be as long as is necessary. Once I add these last two ingredients, it will take an hour for this to simmer, and then it has to cool for three more hours before it can be bottled. Therefore, I will be at least four more hours. Then I'll have to clean up, and that has to be done by hand, with no magic, as you well know.'

'Oh, all right,' Harry said, sighing as if completely put out. 'I guess I can wait so that we can have dinner together.'

'Feel free to have dinner without me,' Snape replied.

'No, I want to have dinner with you. Five hours from now, I expect to see you in our rooms, do you understand?'

'Yes, Master,' Snape said with mock sweetness.

'No need to get shirty,' Harry said as he walked toward the door. 'I'll see if I can't find someone else with whom I can occupy myself.'

'Better him than me,' Snape muttered to himself after Harry walked out the door. He couldn't care less with what or whom Harry spent his time, as long as he left him alone.

He couldn't believe that it was only the second day of his current incarceration as the slave of Harry-bloody-Potter, and he was already thinking of ways that he could possibly remove himself from this tragic circumstance. He also knew that it would take some time to figure a way out of this ordeal, so he would be as patient as he possibly could. Also, it would do no good to anger Harry again.

His earlier resolve to acquiesce to his new lot in life had vanished. Who was Harry Potter to think that he could control someone like Severus Snape? He was a pure-blooded Slytherin, not some pathetic Squib. Snape shook his head, unable to believe that he was actually considering giving himself up to someone like Harry Potter, and he attributed his momentary insanity to the fact that he was home, for good or ill, and not to mention the fact that he was presented with a hot bath, good food, and the opportunity to brew his beloved potions. He could not, however, bring himself to bow down to someone else. He had already submitted to one Dark Lord to his everlasting regret, and he would not do it again...he'd rather die, if need be.

Snape added the last of the ingredients to the cauldrons and once they were simmering as they should, he walked over to the other side of the room and peered into the large, silver-framed mirror that hung on the wall. The marks had all faded into nothingness, as had the soreness, but the memory was still quite fresh in his mind.

Snape had to admit that Harry had much more self-control than the previous Dark Lord. Voldemort would have snapped his neck like a twig for saying something so bold and critical. Snape cursed his own stupidity. He should have known that this new Harry was teetering on the irrational side, but he just had to open his mouth.

Snape stepped away from the mirror, knowing that standing there and brooding over his latest blunder wasn't going to help him in the least, only serve to make him more pathetic than he currently was, and walked over to the sofa in the corner of the room. He pulled the book that he was reading off the table and opened it.

Since the second hour that he'd started working in this laboratory, he'd come to the conclusion that there simply had to be a way to break the spells on his body or at the very least, worm his way around them. Naturally, the first area of magic he was looking to was potion-making. Thus, the book he was now reading. He knew that Harry wouldn't think anything out of the ordinary, knowing that any book on potions was bound to fascinate Snape.

Snape looked up after a few moments, unable to concentrate on the text before him. He also knew that he would have to destroy Harry in order to escape, but he had no idea how to go about doing that. He supposed that barring anything else, he could always try the standard Avada Kedavra curse and hope that coming from him it would have more of an effect. But the more pressing problem was how to get Harry to trust him enough to let his guard down.

Snape felt ill as he realised that the best possible way would be to give in to his master's not-so-subtle innuendoes. He shuddered at the thought of allowing the Potter brat to violate him in such a way, but what other choice would he have? The thought of having to surrender himself to Harry made his blood run cold, no matter how gorgeous and sexy the man who owned him happened to be. Perhaps the fact that Snape found Harry physically attractive, despite how much he loathed him, would work in his advantage?

Snape shook off these thoughts, knowing that he would have plenty of time to worry about this later, as he couldn't very well give in to Harry's advances anytime soon, lest he raise suspicion, and dove back into his reading, occasionally jotting down notes of interest.





Snape stumbled up the last few steps to Harry's room, his body weary from the long day of work. It had been quite some time since he'd done so much in a single day, but his forced idleness while in the holding areas had nearly driven him mad.

His right arm felt like a chunk of lead as he reached out to open the door that led to his captor's office. His fingers had barely touched the brass knob when it was pulled open.

'Good evening, Severus,' Lucius said. 'Decided to come out of your precious lab, I see.'

'Sod off, Lucius,' Snape snapped while taking in the state of his former lover with disdain. 'I'm surprised that a Malfoy would allow himself to be seen in such a dishevelled state.'

'Yes, but it's a small price to pay to please our Master,' Lucius replied haughtily as he continued to straighten his robes. 'He can be quite demanding, though I have to say, his demands tonight are on the more pleasurable side. He's much more fun than Voldemort ever was.'

Snape sneered at the man he once called "friend". 'Get out of my way, Lucius.'

Lucius smirked and leant against the doorway. 'You didn't say please.'

'Lucius, let him through the door,' Harry snapped. He had just come from the bedroom to put away the last of his papers. He was tired, he needed a bath to wash away the sweat, and he wasn't in the mood for Lucius' games.

Lucius stepped back reluctantly, wanting to play with Snape, yet not daring to evoke his ruler's wrath. 'Have a nice evening, Severus. Do be sure to please our Lord,' he murmured as Snape passed.

Snape shot him a dirty look and a rude gesture before heading for the bedroom. Harry followed behind him. 'Really, Severus, was that necessary?' Harry asked.

Snape tensed slightly, thinking that he'd done something worthy of punishment, but when he turned and saw the tired smile on Harry's face, he returned to his normal level of tension. 'That particular Malfoy has always been a thorn in my side. How you manage not only to work with him on a constant basis, but also find…pleasure in his company is beyond comprehension.'

Harry's small smile widened into a toothy grin. 'From what Lucius has revealed to me, you used to enjoy a good fuck with him as well.'

'Yes, well, I was young at the time. The appeal wore off rather quickly.'

Harry laughed. 'To each his own, I suppose. Let's have a bath before dinner, shall we? You're positively greasy, and from the way you're moving, I'm guessing that you're sore.'

'What was your first clue?' Snape remarked even as he yawned.

'You're a cranky old git tonight, aren't you?' Harry said as he removed his dressing gown, revealing his naked form. 'Take your clothes off and get into the tub.'

Snape shot daggers at the back of Harry's head before his eyes traitorously travelled down to take in the site of Harry's firm arse. Mentally berating himself for checking out his "master", he did as he was ordered. Of course, he managed to take his sweet time about it.

'It's about bloody time,' Harry snapped when Snape walked into the bathroom five minutes later. 'Get in here. I thought I was going to have to come looking for you, and I assure you, I would not have been pleased.'

With reluctance and a good bit of wincing, Snape managed to get his aching body into the hot, soothing water.

'Come here,' Harry said in a soft voice. Snape sat between Harry's legs and allowed Harry to pull him back. Leaning against the brat's chest with a resigned sigh, he didn't utter a word of protest when his master started rubbing a face cloth up and down his body. 'Did you get a chance to do any research today?' Harry asked.

Snape grunted, then elaborated. 'I spent most of the spare time that I had reacquainting myself with my old writings. There is much that I had forgotten, it's been so long since I've seen them.'

Harry nodded against the side of Snape's head. 'I can understand that. You do have over two hundred journals that you jotted down notes in, so it will take quite a bit of time to catch up,' he commented as he slid his hands down to caress Snape's thighs.

Snape tensed slightly when Harry's hand moved underneath his cock to fondle his bollocks, but he didn't say anything. 'Yes, it will. Once I figure out which are more important, I will decide which I will continue.'

'Keep me apprised of your progress, and do let me know if you need anything,' Harry whispered in Snape's ear.

Snape bit back a moan as his earlobe was sucked into his master's hot, wet mouth and nibbled upon with unfettered enthusiasm. Small jolts of pleasure slid down his spine and took up residence in his awakening arousal.

Snape leant his head to the side, in a half-hearted attempt to get away from Harry's demanding mouth, but he only succeeded in presenting his neck to his master's advances.

He couldn't keep back the second moan that bubbled up inside his throat as Harry's hand moved from his bollocks to his half-hard cock, sliding his hand up and down the shaft with a deliberate slowness that was obviously meant to be exquisite torment.

'No,' Snape whispered in a hoarse voice. He hated the very sound of it, and he hated knowing that his voice lacked any real conviction behind that simple word.

Harry nipped at Snape's shoulder. 'Do you want me to stop?' he asked as he ran his hand up the tip of Snape's cock and scraped his fingernail over the slit with a light touch.

Snape shuddered even as he thrust his hips up into Harry's tormenting hand. A massive part of his mind was screeching for him to stop Harry. At the same time, however, there was another part of him that was begging, pleading with him to allow Harry to continue on. It has been far, far too long since he'd indulged in physical pleasure, and now his body was half-mad with need.

Snape, desperate to be strong and hold off relenting to Harry's wishes, nodded his head. And yet, to his everlasting shame, his mouth uttered a single word of betrayal. 'No.'

Harry squeezed the tip of Snape's cock in reward, rubbing his thumb around the head. Returning his attention to Snape's neck, Harry stated to pump the dripping prick in his hand at a slow, languid pace, intent on making it as good for Snape as possible. Harry's other hand ran up Snape's torso to pinch and twirl his nipple.

Snape leant back and let Harry do as he pleased, eyes closed, mouth open and panting, not concerned with anything but the onslaught of pleasure that he was feeling. He thrust his hips up into his master's soft, smooth hand with a desperation that he had not felt in years, needing more, yet too proud to ask for that which he wanted.

Harry seemed to notice, however, because his grip became firmer and his hand sped up, flying up and down Snape's velvety prick, causing the water in the tub, which had only been rippling, to form small waves that lapped over the edge of the marble tub and landed on the floor with a soft splash.

Snape let out a cry that he could not control as his first orgasm in who knows how long took control of his entire body, his cock spurting tiny clouds of white under the water's surface, his limbs shivering and jerking sporadically as he rode out his climax.

Once Harry had milked him for all he was worth and Snape couldn't give anymore if his life depended on it, he slumped against Harry as if Lockhart had removed every bone in his body.

Harry spelled the water sanitary and then started stroking Snape's greasy hair with a soft touch, waiting for his slave's afterglow to abate before continuing with their bath.





Once both were clean and well-fed, with little conversation between them, Harry and Snape slid into bed. Harry put out the torches and banked the fire. Then he pulled Snape close, entwining their bodies and using the crook of Snape's arm as a pillow. 'Are you all right? You haven't said much.'

'I'm tired from the long day, and I don't hold much pride in myself at the moment, if you must know. Despite my previous words to you, the moment that you placed real pressure on me to give in to sexual activity, I reacted like a sodding teenager, eager to give myself to anyone who just happens to look my way.'

Harry chuckled, then yawned. 'It's not a horrible thing to want to find physical pleasure, especially when under a great deal of stress. Why do you think I spent the afternoon having a sex-marathon with Lucius? It relieves the pressure, at least for a while.'

'Yes, I do suppose your life is full of stress and tension,' said Snape in a dry, flat tone. 'I take it that this is why you didn't accost me further?'

'Of course. As I'm sure you are aware, Lucius enjoys physical touch any time that he can get it. It doesn't help that Narcissa is a cold fish most of the time.'

'Is that wench still alive?' Snape mumbled, half-asleep already. 'I would have thought that Lucius would have killed her by now.'

'Yes, she's alive, and quite the social butterfly. She spends her time abroad, shopping, or else she's at Malfoy Manor holding parties for her admirers. Lucius keeps her because she's so useful at entertaining the wives and daughters of my followers.'

'Sounds like Narcissa,' Snape commented before he slipped into a deep slumber.





Snape's breath hitched as the tip of Harry's maddening tongue grazed across his slit, followed by the light scraping of his master's teeth.

Harry's mouth opened wide and his lips stretched as he slowly took in Snape an inch at a time, until he had engulfed his lover's velvet prick. Harry took his time sliding his mouth up and down his slave's lovely appendage, one arm propping him up, his other under Snape's body, well-oiled fingers up the Potions master's arse, sliding across his prostate again and again. Snape, under Harry's relentless ministrations, keened and moaned with abandon, no longer caring for the sake of appearances.

It was now three weeks to the day that Harry had bought Snape to become his potion brewer, as well as his sex slave. The sex part Snape had been able to hold off until the second day, when he had found himself expertly wanked in the tub, at his own consent no less.

In the proceeding weeks, the episodes of wanking were repeated at an increasing pace, and had now graduated into occasional bouts of oral sex. Snape had to admit, to himself at least, that he enjoyed giving blow jobs as much as he enjoyed receiving them. Still, he'd been able to stave off Harry's desire for intercourse. He also knew, however, that Harry wouldn't accept no for an answer for much longer.

At the moment, however, Snape's most pressing thought was willing his body to keep still until Harry signalled otherwise. The last time he'd become too demanding, Harry had forced him to wear a cock ring for six straight hours. Once removed and given a Healing draught to heal any damage that might have occurred, he'd been fine, but after six hours, he had felt as if he'd been under the Cruciatus curse.

Harry tugged in his hip, signifying that he could move, and Snape thrust up into the hot, waiting mouth, driving the tip of his prick down his master's throat repeatedly, feeling the pleasurable pressure build up in the pit of his stomach, until his bollocks drew up and he came inside Harry's mouth, spilling the contents of his sac down Harry's throat.

Harry sucked with his usual eagerness until Snape had nothing left, then pulled away and lapped his slave's softening cock clean.

A knock on the office door spoiled Snape's moment of basking in his well-earned afterglow. 'Who the bloody hell is that?' he growled.

'I don't know, but whomever it is had better have a good reason to bother me at this time of morning,' Harry muttered as he threw on a robe. 'Stay here,' he ordered and walked into the office, closing the door of his bedchambers behind him.

Harry wiped at his mouth to ensure that there were no traces of semen before he swung open the door. 'Lucius,' he said, making his exasperation apparent. 'What is it now, that you had to spoil my moment of leisure?'

'I apologise, my lord, but the Weasley brat tried to escape again. Draco found him on the edge of the forest when he returned this morning. It looks as if the vampires caught him before he entered the forest completely, and they had a bit of fun before disposing of him where he could be found.'

'That little bastard surely does love his punishments, doesn't he? I'm afraid that I've been a bit lax with him as of late. Where is he now?'

'He's in the hospital wing. Would you like me to send for Marcos?'

Harry shook his head. 'Saria should be adequate. I'll deal with him later. Is that all?'

'Yes, my lord.'

Harry, noticed that Lucius was looking at him in an odd way, frowned. 'What is it?'

'Nothing, my lord. I simply noticed how swollen your lips are.'

Harry smiled to himself at the reminder. 'I was having a morning snack, if you must know.'

'I don't believe that I've ever been on the receiving end of one of your hunger pangs,' Lucius commented, smirking slightly.

'That would mean giving power over me to you, something that will never happen, Lucius.'

'And Severus?'

'Is none of your concern,' Harry said, his tone making it quite obvious that Lucius was treading on paper-thin ice.

'Yes, Master,' Lucius wisely said, bowing low. 'Is there anything you need, my lord?'

'No. You are dismissed.' As soon as Lucius left, Harry walked back into the bedroom. 'I'm afraid that our time has been cut short,' Harry told Snape as he threw off the robe that he was wearing and started rummaging through the closet. 'It seems that Percy tried to escape last night. He's in the hospital wing. I have to go and ensure that he's getting the best care, so that as soon as he's healed, I can show the little cretin what it means to disobey a direct order. Just as I told you, I made it clear to him that the forest was off-limits. I told him what could happen, and it seems that he's met some of my forest inhabitants.'

'I've never fully understood why you have it in for Percy Weasley,' Snape said. 'He wasn't the only traitor in the Order, and they cost lives as well...if I'm not mistaken, Miriel Shuttlesworth's betrayal cost our side the lives of Bill and Charlie Weasley, as well as Minerva's.'

'Percy Weasley took from me the one person who meant everything to me. His actions killed my Remus, and I will never forget it, nor will I forgive it,' Harry told Snape, who was watching his master from the corner of his eye, wary of his master's rising anger.

'I didn't realise that you and Lupin were involved,' Snape commented, trying to direct the conversation away from the Weasley boy.

'Not many people did. Ron and Hermione knew, as did Albus, but if anyone else knew, they never said anything. I wanted to keep it quiet, because I didn't want Remus to become a bigger target than he already was.'

Snape turned to look at Harry. 'Voldemort found out anyway, didn't he? He set up that meeting with the intent of drawing out Lupin,' he said, referring to the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of both Remus and Arthur Weasley.

Harry sat down on the sofa and tied the laces of his boots. 'I should have been the one to go to that meeting. I should have been with Remus, and I would have, but Albus just had to have his way again,' Harry said bitterly. 'If I had gone, perhaps the Ministry would have seen reason...perhaps Remus wouldn't have had to die at the hands of those bastards, trying to explain why he was at a Death Eater meeting where thirty werewolves were being supposedly initiated. Arthur died trying to protect Remus, and that's the only reason that Percy Weasley has not suffered worse at my hands than he already has. I believe that once I've punished him properly, I'll send him to work with my manticores for a bit.

Snape shuddered at the thought. He dutifully tilted his head up and kissed Harry goodbye. Once Harry was out the door, his face contorted into a scowl. He wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand as he glared at the doorway.

Snape didn't know what was worse: allowing Harry to use him as he did, or actually wanting Harry to do the things that he did, and enjoy it. Whatever the reason, it only made him more determined to figure out how to escape, preferably after sending the little bastard who owned him straight to hell, if there was such a place.

Snape did know one thing, lying in bed and brooding over his lot in life wasn't going to get him anywhere. He threw his legs over side of the bed and got moving. He had a ton of research to do.





A week later, Snape stood in the bedroom, nursing a headache that would not go away, even with his strongest headache draught. He knew what was wrong with him, of course. He had been working entirely too much this past week. He'd spent every waking moment brewing potions, reading his old journals, and working on his new pet project. Harry had gone out of the country, giving Snape time to do much research and plotting. It had left him with a massive headache that wouldn't leave him be.

It also didn't help that Harry had come back, chattering about his trip in a ceaseless stream, succeeding in wearing on the Potions master's nerves even more than usual.

The mixture of Harry's good mood and Snape's foul one had no choice but to lead to inevitable disaster.

After listening to Harry's nattering about the new slave that he had bought, something inside Snape led him to a moment of pure idiocy. 'Don't you ever shut up?' Snape snapped before he could remember his place and hold his tongue. He winced inwardly, instantly knowing that he was going to regret those words.

Harry turned around. The glint in his eyes as they focused on Snape was enough to make the most sadistic of his followers quiver with fear. 'You want me to "shut up"?' Harry whispered, the venom in his voice promising that Snape's next few moments were going to be utterly painful. 'You aren't the first person who wanted me to "shut up".'

It took everything within Snape to stand still as Harry stalked closer, his fury mounting with every step. 'The Dursleys never wanted to hear what I had to say. They locked me in a cupboard and pretended that I was non-existent, except when they wanted to scream at me or use me as their own version of a house-elf. They never heard me.'

Harry stopped in front of Snape, and with lightning speed, his hand flew out to slap Snape across his face so hard it sent him reeling. He tripped over the ottoman and Harry was upon him in an instant.

Harry's left hand clutched around Snape's throat, fingers clamping around his oesophagus, squeezing the very life out of him. 'You never wanted to hear what I had to say, when I was your student. My marks in your class suffered because you couldn't see past the Potter name enough to listen.'

Harry's right fist slammed into Snape's jaw with a meaty thud. 'The Order members didn't listen to me either. All of you just wanted me to shut up about Percy. No one believed me when I said that he was working both sides of the fence. I believe it was Molly who told me to "shut up". Look at what happened when I did as everyone asked! Look at what I lost!' he screamed, pulling up Snape's head and slamming it onto the stone floor.

Harry pulled his hand away from Snape's throat and moved off him to sit on the floor beside him. 'I lost everything because I "shut up". Now, no one tells me to shut up.' Harry turned to stare at his slave, and all the rage flooded out of him as quickly as it had come. 'No one, Severus. Remember your place,' Harry reminded him.

'I will,' Snape managed to croak out. Every word, every movement, every breath sent shockwaves of pain through his head, which made his former headache seem like the most pleasant experience imaginable.

Harry reached out and wiped away the trickle of blood from the corner of Snape's mouth. 'Don't move. I'm going to send for my Healer.'





Harry watched as his Healer and Lucius helped Snape into bed. After the Healer gave Snape Healing and Sleeping potions, Harry motioned the other men out of the room. 'How is he?' he asked.

'He'll be fine, but he needs to stay in bed for the next four days. That was a rather nasty blow to the back of his head.'

'I remember when I was in school, more than a few students cracked their heads on these stone floors, in spite of the spells that helped to prevent it,' Lucius said with a soft chuckle. He turned to Harry, an evil smirk on his face. 'I was there to witness that little ratboy, Pettigrew, slip and slam the back of his head on the bottom step of the Grand Staircase. Someone had placed a slippery substance on the floor. For two weeks I would start laughing every time I saw him.'

'Now that I would have loved to see,' Harry said.

'Remind me later, and I will place the memory in your Pensieve,' Lucius offered.

'I think I would enjoy that,' Harry said. He turned to his Healer. 'Tell me, Marcos, do you have any instructions for Severus?'

Marcos nodded. 'He's to stay in bed, except to use the toilet.' He handed Harry a week's supply of potions. 'He's to take the Healing draught every night for the next five days, even though he's only to be bedridden for four days. Also, someone should stay with him at least the first two days, to ensure that there are no complications. I do, however, need to bring back some Pain-Numbing potions for you.'

'Bring them back as soon as possible. I'll stay with him, since my office is right here, and it's not a hardship to move my papers to the bedroom. If I have to leave, I'll have someone else stay with him. Marcos, you're free to go.'

Once Marcos left, Lucius turned to stare at Harry, piercing him with his most scrutinising gaze. 'I doubt that Severus slipped and fell. Severus is much too graceful for that.'

'I think you're too nosy for your own good,' Harry snapped, 'but I'll let it go this time. He made me angry and I hurt him. That's all there is to it. What's done is done. He's simply going to have to learn not to piss me off,' Harry said, sitting down at his desk.

Lucius sat down in the chair across from him, folding his hands across his lap. 'Give him time. It's only been a month. It's hard for someone like him to change his ways so quickly.'

Harry smirked. 'You're being terribly lenient with him...considering your passion for dealing out punishment if they disobey you in any minuscule way.'

Lucius smiled just a bit. 'It seems that I have a weak spot when it comes to him. I see much of myself in him, and I know how difficult it would be for myself to adjust to the situation that he's in now. Also, he was my lover once, and I've always been fond of him. I know that you have to train him to obey. All I'm asking is that you take his personality into consideration.'

Harry fixed Lucius with his piercing gaze until the blond shifted in his chair in discomfort. 'If I have offended you in any way, Master, I humbly apologise.'

Harry cocked his head to the side and raised one eyebrow. 'You do realise that if it had been anyone else who was so bold as to make that suggestion, he or she would have found their fate to be similar to that of Bellatrix Lestrange,' Harry said.

Lucius shuddered a bit as he remembered the pleasure that Harry took in his sister-in-law's exquisite torture, his Master driving her madder than she already was before ending her life in one of the most painful ways possible. 'Yes, my Lord,' Lucius said in a quiet voice.

'However, since it is you, one of whom I am quite fond, I will let it go with a warning,' Harry said, smiling when he saw Lucius relax. 'I will also keep your suggestion in mind. So tell me, how is Percy enjoying his work with the manticores?' he asked.

'He's learnt to duck and run quite well, though he's been patched up several times. The manticores really enjoy him. He's such tender meat to chase.'

Harry laughed. 'I believe that it's time to bring him back to the castle. Perhaps now he'll think twice before trying to escape.' A cruel smile spread across Harry's face. 'I think it's time for a little personalised punishment.'

'I'm certain that he'll look forward to playing with you, my Lord. Is there anything that I can do for you before I retrieve the Weasley brat?' Lucius asked, standing up.

'Yes, go down to the kitchens and have lunch sent up for me. Tell them that in about six hours, I want dinner brought up, including some soup for Severus. They'll know what he likes.'

'Yes, my Lord,' Lucius said, bowing before he left.





Snape moaned in pain as he awoke from his potion-induced slumber. He slowly cracked open his eyes and found Harry sitting next to him, staring down. When Harry reached out, toward his face, Snape couldn't keep himself from flinching.

'Shh. It's all right. I'm not going to hurt you,' Harry said in a soft, soothing voice as he tucked a long strand of hair behind his slave's ear. 'You're going to be fine, but you have to stay in bed and rest for the next four days.'

'Four days?' Snape croaked out.

Harry nodded. 'I'll stay with you as much as I can. The house-elves brought you some soup for dinner, and there are some other things as well, if you feel up to trying.'

Snape shook his head and winced. 'Hurts,' he mumbled.

'Here, take this,' Harry said, giving Snape the Pain-Numbing potion that Marcos had brought a few hours earlier. 'This should help.'

Snape took the potion and closed his eyes, waiting for it to take effect. While he did, Harry continued to stroke his hair. 'I wish you would make more of an effort not to anger me. You know that I hurt you when I'm angry with you, and I don't like it.'

Snape moaned, this time in relief as the potion finally started working. 'I will endeavour to be more careful in the future,' he whispered, his voice still hoarse.

'I hope so, because if I want to hurt someone, I'll take it out on Percy. That's why I bought him. You are different, special,' Harry said, leaning over to kiss Snape on the mouth.

'Yes, Master,' he whispered as he shut his eyes.

Harry didn't miss the slight venomous tone underlying the words, but he decided to take Lucius' advice for the moment. 'Get some rest. I've got some work to do in the office. I'll be in to check on you in about twenty minutes. Ring this bell by the bed if you need anything beforehand.'

As soon as he heard Harry leave the room, Snape glared up at the ceiling, silently cursing his master, the situation, and himself. He knew better than to make Harry angry. Every time he pushed Harry to this point, it only made him weaker, and weak was not the way to be when he had to have spare time to work out how he was going to get out of this abominable situation.





The next time Snape's eyes opened, Harry was lying in bed beside him, reading a book. 'What time is it?' Snape moaned. He knew that he had been lying in bed, brooding over his own stupidity for quite some time, but he didn't recall drifting off again.

'It's a few minutes after ten,' Harry said, closing his book and placing it on the bedside table. 'It's time for you to take your potions.' Harry helped Snape sit up to drink down the Pain-Numbing potion and Healing draught. 'Do you need to use the toilet?'

Snape nodded and grimaced at the pain that shot through his skull. He felt like a piece of lead as he hobbled to the bathroom with Harry's help.

Once finished, Harry helped him back to bed and tucked him in. 'Are you hungry? There's a bit of broth here.'

Snape's stomach answered with a hungry rumble, and he croaked, 'I think so.'

Harry assisted him into a sitting position, and then sat beside him, slowly spooning the broth into his servant's mouth. 'It's not too hot, is it?'

'No,' Snape whispered. He accepted several more spoonfuls, and a piece of fresh, baked bread, without the crust, smothered in thick, creamy butter before motioning that he was finished.

Harry gave Snape a cup of tea to wash it all down, just the way he liked it, light on the milk and four sugars. Then he slid back into bed, turning to lie on his side, facing his slave. 'Tomorrow, if you are feeling up to it, I will have Lucius bring up some books for you.'

Snape grunted and slid under the blankets again, after placing the empty cup on the table.

Harry handed Snape another phial. 'It's a Sleeping draught. Marcos said that you need to take this.'

'Yes, healing is faster the more sleep one has. The body uses less magical powers when one is asleep, and that magic heals us faster. It's part of the reason why wizards and witches live much longer than Muggles,' Snape lectured, his voice still hoarse from the grip that Harry'd had on his throat.

'I see,' Harry said, mulling over Snape's words. 'Take your potion and get some rest. I'll have breakfast waiting for you in the morning. If you're well, I'll send Lucius down for some books.'

Snape downed the phial, and within a few moments, he was asleep.





The next morning, Snape awoke to the smell of fresh breakfast rolls, bacon, and eggs. He blinked his eyes to rid them of their bleariness and tried to sit up. The painful pressure in his head told him that he wouldn't be out of bed any time soon.

His eyes shifted over to the man who sat down next to him. His eyebrow arched in question as the silver-haired, green-eyed man waved his wand over Snape's head. 'Who are you?' Snape said, his voice still thick and smoky from sleep.

The man gave Snape a warm smile as he placed a hand on his patient's forehead. 'My name is Marcos. I'm Harry's Healer. I took care of you yesterday after you were injured.'

'I recall Harry saying something about you,' Snape answered, coughing slightly from the dryness of his throat.

Marcos leant over and picked up a glass of water. 'Have a sip of this. It will make your throat feel better.'

Snape did as he was told, relief washing over him as the rough and gritty taste in his mouth was washed away. 'Where is Harry?'

'He's in his office, talking with the Malfoys, I believe they're discussing someone named Percy.'

Snape nodded. 'He's the poor sod that was responsible for Remus Lupin and Arthur Weasley's death. I'm sure you remember that.'

Marcos nodded, the warmth in his eyes fading as he fell into remembrance. 'Yes, I do remember. That was the true beginning of the end for Voldemort, and it was the catalyst for the world as it is now, wasn't it?'

Snape nodded. 'More than you know. Is there any chance that I can sit up sometime soon? I'm ravenous, and I'd much rather not become maudlin over things we cannot change.'

Marcos laughed as he focused on the present. 'Of course. Here, take these potions and I'll get your tray. What would you like?'

'A bit of everything,' Snape ordered, taking his potions and washing them down with the water.

Marcos sat the tray by the bed and helped Snape into a sitting position. Placing the tray on his lap, he sat back and smiled as Snape immediately tucked in. 'It's wonderful to see that your appetite has not been hindered.'

'Mmm,' Snape managed, not taking the time to answer properly.

Marcos shook his head and packed up his few things. 'I will tell Harry that your healing is going perfectly. You should be able to leave bed in a couple of days without any big problems. Mind you take things a bit slow at first. You don't want to have a relapse.' Marcos took the jerk of Snape's head to mean that he agreed and he left Snape to Harry's care.





'Where are my books?' Snape asked as soon as Harry walked in the door. He had long since finished his breakfast, and he was bored.

Harry laughed. 'I've sent Lucius down for some. He should be back in a few moments. I see you've had something to eat already,' Harry said, taking the tray away and sitting down to have some breakfast of his own.

'Marcos gave me something to eat. I was starved,' Snape explained, lest Harry get angry with him again for not waiting.

As if reading his mind, Harry said, 'Keep your hair on, Severus. I'm not angry. I'm glad that your appetite hasn't been affected. You're much too thin as it is.'

Snape looked down at his body and then glared at Harry. 'I am now much the same as I ever was before your horrid Lucius placed me in those holding cells,' Snape snapped, obviously affronted.

Harry got up and walked over to Snape, leaning down to kiss him. 'Yes, I know, but you were always so thin. I don't want you to lose any weight. I like you as you are, don't worry.'

'As if I were,' Snape retorted, sitting back on the pillows in a huff.

Harry kissed him on the forehead. 'You can be such a child sometimes, Severus. I might find that annoying in someone else… in fact, your childish behaviour used to annoy me when I was a child, but now I find it endearing.'

'Oh, good. I'm so pleased,' Snape muttered, sarcasm dripping from every syllable.

'I knew you would be,' Harry said, undaunted by Snape's behaviour. He sat back down to finish his meal.

As he was placing the last dirty dish on the tray for the house-elves to retrieve, Lucius walked in with a pile of books and journals. Draco followed along behind him, an identical pile of reading material floating in front of him.

Both sat their burdens by the bed, on Snape's side. Lucius looked down upon Snape and smirked. 'I had no idea which of these you were working on, so we brought everything that was on or around the sofa area.'

'That will suffice,' Severus said, picking up the first journal from the nearest pile. He started flipping through it, blatantly ignoring the other three men in the room.

'No need to thank us,' Draco snapped as he left the room, irritated that Snape would have the nerve to ignore his existence.

Lucius smirked at his son's exit. Draco always hated being ignored, and he always took it personally. In this case, it was a personal slight, one that Lucius found amusing. 'I will see you tomorrow, Harry. Since you have little need for me, I believe I will go to the manor tonight, to check on Narcissa. Who knows what difficulties she may have found herself in without my constant supervision.'

Harry laughed as he slid onto the bed with Snape. 'You do that. Say hello for me, will you?'

'Of course.' Lucius gazed at Snape and licked his lips. 'Have fun,' he said, his eyes shifting to Harry, and with a wink he walked out the door.

Harry's attention turned to Snape. 'Oh, quit giving me that look. I have no plans on accosting you in your weakened state. I didn't get much sleep last night, as I had to keep an eye on you, so I thought I'd take a little nap while you're reading.'

'Don't you have someone you want to torture or something?' Snape asked, annoyed by his master's presence.

'As a matter of fact, I do, but I can do that later. I want Percy nice and healthy for what I have planned. Now do be quiet and read. I want to sleep. Don't hesitate, however, to wake me up if you need anything.'

'Yes, Master,' came the snide remark.





Snape stared at Harry while debating whether or not this would be a good time to ask Harry for permission to go into the forest. It had only been a week since he'd been allowed out of bed, and naturally he was wary of making Harry angry again.

'Severus, you are brooding. I can hear your teeth grinding from here. What is it?' Harry said, not once looking up from his paperwork.

Snape bit back a rude remark and swallowed to keep the bile from rising into his throat. He despised being dependent on others, especially Harry. 'I am in need of procuring ingredients from the forest, if it's not too much trouble.'

Harry looked up and smiled. 'Of course not. I will have Lucius meet you at the main doors at one.'

Snape gave Harry a curt nod and spun around on his heel, stalking out the door. Far be it for him to complain- Snape snorted, knowing that that wasn't true in the least bit, as he loved nothing more than to bitch about the stupidity and unfairness of just about everything- but he would have much rather been escorted by anyone other than Lucius, even his own jailer.

Snape entered his laboratory and sat on the sofa with an ungraceful plop, amidst the ever-increasing pile of books and journals. He glared over at the clock. Two and a half hours he had to wait. He couldn't brew any of the potions that he needed to make, since he hadn't enough time, and the two that fit into his waiting period lacked the ingredients that he was seeking, so that left more research.

He picked up his journal that contained all of his notes and observations on the Wolfsbane potion and began to read, hoping that time would pass by quickly. The sooner he left, the sooner he would be away from Lucius Malfoy.





About an hour and forty-five minutes had passed by when Snape looked up from the journal he was reading to find Draco and two young children standing by the doorway. 'Draco,' Snape said, giving the young blond a curt nod.

'Hello Severus. Sorry that I haven't come to visit you since the auction, but I had to run some errands for Harry.'

'Yes, your lack of presence has cast a pallor over my life as Harry Potter's sex toy,' Snape commented. 'I'm sure you know what that is like.'

Draco smirked. 'I wouldn't remember. Harry and I haven't slept together in years, since before Andre was conceived. Speaking of Andre, Severus, I would like you to meet my children.'

Snape's gaze lowered to take in the children standing beside their father. Just one look at the curly, platinum blond haired girl, standing as if she owned the entire world, told Snape that she was a reincarnation of Lucius and Draco in female form. 'And what is your name, little girl?' Snape asked, almost laughing when she looked upon him with disdain. That would be the influence of Narcissa, then.

'Answer him,' Draco ordered when she only glared, not uttering a single syllable.

Alexandria looked up at her father and scowled, but said, 'My name is Alexandria Maleficent Malfoy.'

'She's quite arrogant for one so young,' Snape told Draco, not hiding his disapproval or his disappointment.

Draco smirked and patted Alexandria's shoulder, trying to soothe her ruffled feathers. 'She is her father's daughter. I was no different at eight years old, was I?'

Snape replied, 'No, you were no different.' Snape's gaze then flitted over to the small, brown-haired boy staring at him from behind his father's leg. The boy was obviously shy and possessed none of the arrogance that his sister had. 'This must be Andre, then.'

The right side of Snape's mouth twitched as the boy ducked behind Draco's leg at the sound of his name on Snape's lips.

Draco smiled down at his son with affection. 'He's a bit shy, but I expect that he'll get over it soon enough.'

'He is a Malfoy, after all,' Snape shot back, not hiding his disdain for the Malfoy name. He looked at the boy again. 'And how old are you, Andre?' he asked.

Andre peeked around his father's leg. 'Four,' he said in such a low voice that Snape had to strain to hear him.

Snape shifted his gaze to Draco once again. 'This child is obviously not a creation of Parkinson.'

Draco turned to his children. 'You may go play now. Alex, you hold Andre's hand on those stairs, and do not rush him. I will be most displeased if he is injured and you are the cause.'

'Yes, sir,' Alexandria said obediently. 'Come on, Andre.' She grabbed her little brother's hand and tugged him toward the door.

Draco sat down next to Snape. 'No, he's not Pansy's. He is Hermione Granger's child.'

'Need I ask how this came about?' said Snape, able to guess the how without any real explanation.

'Not too long after Harry switched sides, we were able to capture Hermione. Harry didn't want her as a slave, for obvious reasons, but he gave her to me, on the condition that I treat her with as much kindness as possible. I took her as my lover, and five years ago she became pregnant. She died giving birth to him. A few days later I discovered that Pansy had given her a potion that would induce pregnancy prematurely, in an attempt to kill our child. It killed Hermione instead.'

'How in the world did that happen?' Snape wondered. 'Those potions are safe to the mother.'

'The potion, when it was mixed with the potions that Hermione was already taking, proved fatal. The pregnancy was a difficult one for Hermione to begin with, and her body couldn't handle it anymore. She had been alone when she went into labour, and by the time we found her and called the Healer, she was too weak. They had to cut Andre out of her before he drowned in her blood.'

Snape watched Draco closely as he spoke, and he caught the flicker of emotion that crossed the blonde's otherwise closed-off face. 'You loved Granger, didn't you?'

Draco looked over at Snape and smirked. 'I never could hide anything from you, could I? Yes, I did, more than I ever loved Pansy. Needless to say, Pansy paid for her transgressions.'

Snape couldn't help but laugh at that. 'I'm certain that she did. She should have known better than to touch Malfoy property. Did she survive her punishment?'

It was Draco's turn to laugh. 'Of course she did. I wouldn't take Alexandria's mother away from her, as angry as I was.'

'It's reassuring that you're capable of thinking of someone other than yourself,' Snape commented.

'I always have been quite capable, thank you,' Draco replied. 'I simply choose my thoughtfulness carefully.'

'How does Pansy deal with the boy?'

'She treats him like her own son. I think she's blocked out the fact that he's not hers, because she bloody well knows that if she is unkind to him in any way, I won't hesitate to kill her. I can always find a new mother for my children.'

'At least that's something, then. I can tell you that I already like your son better than your daughter. She is much too arrogant by far.'

Draco laughed loudly and hopped off the couch. 'That she is, Severus. Well, I've got to dash to a meeting. I will chat with you later.'

'I'll be awaiting that day with all the eagerness of a child who is anticipating a trip to the sweetshop,' Snape retorted in a tone that indicated he was bored beyond all reason. 'As it is, I have to meet your father in front of the castle for a short excursion to the forest for some supplies.'

Draco smirked. 'Have fun.'





Snape scowled at the back of Lucius' head as he descended the front steps of the castle. The day was bright and clear, with absolutely no indication of rain, which suited Snape just fine. 'Are you ready, Malfoy?' Snape snapped as he walked up to Lucius' right.

Lucius turned his head and smirked as he studied Snape from head to toe. After a considerable length of time, Lucius nodded once. 'Yes, I am. Is there any particular part of the forest that you wish to take a stroll through?'

'As a matter of fact, yes, there is. There is Wolfsbane growing in thick patches on the outskirts of the forest, on the far side of the lake. I can find the other ingredients I need near there as well.'

'Let's get on with it, shall we?' Lucius said, sweeping past Snape, expecting him to follow.

Snape's eyes narrowed into tiny slits as he stood there for a moment, wondering how much damage Harry would do to him should he beat Lucius over the head with a tree branch. Knowing that it would likely be quite painful and extensive, Snape decided to squash the fantasy of Lucius' death by blunt force and started after the blond.

They walked to the other side of the lake in silence, Snape a few feet back, a bit wary of Lucius, even though he didn't show it. Of course, with the way Lucius had looked at him before they left the castle, anyone would have been. With all due respect to Harry, of which Snape had little, he didn't trust Lucius as far as he could throw him.

Lucius turned around as they reached the tree line of the Forbidden Forest. 'You'll need to take this,' Lucius said, handing Snape a tiny glass phial.

Snape stepped up and took the phial with reluctance. He studied the potion within, unwilling to take anything that Lucius gave him. 'What is this?'

'Oh, for Merlin's sake, Severus, it's a simple potion that will keep you from feeling horrendous pain the moment you step into the forest. Or do you not remember Harry telling you that your mark would do that?'

'Yes, and he also told me that the creatures of the forest will swoop down upon anyone who was without one of Harry's followers, which makes Percy's survival a mystery.'

'Actually, it's not that much of a mystery. During the night, vampires prowl the border between the forest and the castle. They're ordered to stop the ones who try to enter the forest before they succeed, but they are not to kill. That's what happened to Percy. During the day, however, all Dark creatures, vampires included, are given free reign.'

'Nice to know,' Snape said in a bored voice. 'Now tell me, what exactly does this potion do, besides keep me from doubling over in pain?'

'Nothing much. It lasts for about an hour. I have another phial of it if we happen to be here for longer than that.' When Snape still looked wary about taking it, Lucius sighed. 'I didn't make it. Draco did, and Harry keeps it locked away. Only he gives it out when needed. I got these from him.'

Snape took a deep breath and popped the cork, downing the burgundy liquid in one gulp. When he didn't spontaneously combust or grow extra parts, he relaxed just a bit.

Lucius smirked and shook his head. 'You always were so distrusting, Severus,' he commented, turning and walking into the forest. 'Oh, and don't get more than three meters from me, or the inhabitants will be drawn to you,' he said.

Snape sighed and followed Lucius in, keeping an eye out for the Wolfsbane plant. The forest was as dark as it had always been, and Snape could see why the vampires liked it so. They could lurk about at all times of the day and night, without any issues with sunlight. Even after walking only a half-meter into the trees, the area started to grow darker.

It was not too dark, however, for him to find the plant for which he was searching. As soon as the Wolfsbane was located, Snape knelt down, resting upon his knees, as he removed a small box from his robe. With a wave of his wand and a simple incantation, Snape reverted the box to its original size. He pulled a pair of gloves and sharp scissors out of his robes.

As he was cutting the plants and laying the pieces flat inside the box, he was all too aware of Lucius' close proximity. In fact, the man was so close that he could smell the reek of his cologne. 'I don't believe that you need to be this close to me, Malfoy,' Snape said.

Snape couldn't help but shudder as he felt Lucius' breath on his neck. 'Oh, but I do, Severus. You see, I have so few chances to see you alone that I can't help myself.'

Snape cringed and stood up quickly as he felt Lucius slide his tongue up the nape of his neck. 'What the hell do you think you are doing, Lucius?' Snape said, turning around to face the man.

Lucius stalked toward him, forcing Snape to back up until he hit the trunk of a tree. Lucius immediately took advantage of the vulnerable position and slid his arms around Snape's waist, pinning him between himself and the tree. 'He never has to know, Severus. I won't tell him,' he whispered as his mouth placed hot, moist kisses all over Snape's face. Brushing his tongue over the crevice between Snape's tightly shut lips, he said, 'It will be our little secret. You know you want it. You always did.'

Snape shivered as Lucius' right hand, which had been caressing his arse cheek, drifted over his crotch, teasing his twitching cock until he started to harden, then grasping his half-hard prick and slowly stroking him through his robes.

Snape took a deep breath and focused himself enough to shove Lucius away with all his strength, which wasn't all that great, since he was still within the throes of healing from his last blunder. 'Do not touch me again,' Snape warned.

Snape walked over to pick up his box, only to find himself pinned up against another tree, this time with his face facing toward it.

'Severus, now is not the time to play hard to get,' Lucius tutted, rotating his hips forward and grinding his rock-hard prick into Snape's tight, skinny arse. 'You know you would like nothing better than to feel me shove my dick up your arse. You always loved bottoming to me.'

Snape bit back a whimper as wave after wave of pleasure hit him. Each time Lucius rocked his hips forward, Snape's aching erection rubbed against the bark of the tree amplifying his need for release.

Once again, the vision of a wrathful Harry flashed through his mind, and placing his hands on the trunk of the tree, Snape pushed back with all he had, sending both of them flying backwards.

Lucius let out a cry of pain as he hit another tree. He was up in an instant, but not as quickly as Snape, who was currently pointing his wand at his face.

Snape gave Lucius and oily, evil smile. 'Something else I do know about this little mark of slavery, Malfoy. While I may not be able to hurt Harry, I can do serious harm to you. Undoubtedly Harry would punish me if I were to kill you, but imagine what Harry would do to you if he were to find out you disobeyed him. Do you think I'm an idiot, Lucius? I know that you and all of Harry's pitiful followers are under direct orders not to touch me.'

Lucius glared at Snape, all amusement gone. 'What do you suggest, Severus?'

'I suggest that you allow me to gather the rest of my ingredients without molesting me, and I will forget that this ever happened. I do not want to risk Harry's wrath again, as I'm sure that you don't. Agreed?'

Lucius leant against a tree and smirked. 'Agreed.'

Snape eyed Lucius for a few moments before nodding and placing his wand back in his robe. Then he got back to work.





Days passed into weeks and soon it was Halloween. Snape found himself almost wistful as he thought back to all the Halloween Feasts that were once held in the Great Hall. He'd hated those feasts, where the Headmaster always insisted upon loading up the entire brood of brats with enough sugar to keep them bouncing off the walls for a week, but now, looking back, he had to admit that they probably would have been much more enjoyable if he had not been haunted by the memories of a certain foursome with whom he went to school.

He had no idea what it was that Harry had in mind for that evening, but he did know that Harry was planning some sort of festivities, to which he had invited Snape. Snape wasn't dumb enough to say no, so when he'd pretended to be pleased to be invited, Harry had rewarded him with a trip to Diagon Alley.

It had been the first time that he'd been outside the castle grounds since he'd fled the country years ago, but the marketplace was much the same as it had ever been, only under different management. Most of the storeowners had been wise enough not to question Harry's rule, and Harry left them in peace for the most part, only keeping an eye out for any apparent attempts at rebellion.

It had been therapeutic for Snape to leave the grounds of the castle, if only for a few hours, and he felt much lighter in spirit and clearer in mind, as pathetically sappy as it sounded. At any rate, the change of scenery had given him a chance to buy a few things with the allowance that Harry had given him, and he'd been able to buy a few books that might be useful in his plans. If not, they would be educating nonetheless.

Snape looked up from the potion he was brewing when he heard Harry clear his throat. 'Hello, Harry,' he greeted, almost amicably.

'Severus,' Harry said, walking over to sit on the sofa, stopping only to brush a kiss across Snape's lips. 'I trust that I'm not bothering you.'

'No, as a matter of fact, you are not,' Snape replied. 'I am brewing a few potions that your mediwitch, Saria, requested, and I've brewed these so often that I could do it while I'm asleep,' he declared, not hiding the hint of pride in his voice.

'Of that I am certain,' Harry agreed, sitting back on the sofa and relaxing.

'Is there something in particular you wanted, or did you just come down here to stare at me again?' Snape asked as he stirred his batch of Pepper-Up potion.

'I just wanted to stare,' Harry said in a soft voice.

'Well, as I can't very well stop you, stare away,' Severus said, adding the last bit of shrivelfig to the potion. Placing the lid on the potion, he turned around. 'This has to simmer for an hour and-' The last words died on his lips as he stared at his master with something akin to amusement and desire.

Harry was still sitting on the sofa, but one leg was now propped up on said sofa, and his robes were completely undone and lying open, displaying his naked form. His right hand, slippery with oil, was slowly sliding up and down his prick. His left hand was somewhat lower, rolling his bollocks between his fingers.

Snape watched, enraptured by the display before him, his own hand creeping toward his own cock.

Harry smiled up at him. 'Come here,' he gasped, motioning for Snape to sit on the sofa opposite him.

Snape did as he was told, instinct telling him exactly what it was that Harry wanted from him. He opened his own robes, displaying his own naked form, and he reached for the small phial of oil that Harry used. As soon as his right hand was slick with the slippery substance, he sat back and took himself in hand, slowly stroking himself to complete hardness.

Harry watched Snape wank himself through lust-darkened eyes, licking his lips, which desperately wanted to lick the small pool of liquid forming at the tip of his slave's cock. Not one to deny himself, Harry leant over and took Snape's tip into his mouth, sucking greedily.

Snape's breath hitched as he bucked up into that beautiful warmth, wanting to be engulfed entirely. It seemed that Harry had other plans, because he pulled away once he'd licked Snape clean. Snape suddenly found himself pulled toward Harry until he was lying flat on his back with Harry nestled between his legs, which were wrapped around Harry's lithe form.

Snape gasped as Harry's slick fingers slowly breached his body, probing until they found the spot they were looking for, and they brushed over that spot again and again, until Snape gave himself over to the moment and let out a loud, lust-filled moan.

Snape gasped again as he felt something much larger than fingers slowly breach his tight opening. He lifted his legs onto Harry's shoulders, allowing better access, knowing that this was as good a time as any to give his body over to Harry completely. He panted and groaned as Harry slid into him a bit at a time, mindful that Snape had not had intercourse in quite some time, but Snape didn't feel the pain as he focused only on the feeling of the large, blunt cock that penetrated him, rubbing against the sides of his inner walls.

Once fully sheathed, Harry leant down to slide his lips over Snape's, his tongue slipping in as he slowly started to move, thrusting in and out slowly, until he was certain that Snape wouldn't be hurt.

Snape growled and pulled Harry toward him, not wanting any of the niceties that could very well come later. He wanted to be fucked, and he wanted it now.

Harry seemed to get the message, because soon he pounded into Snape with abandon, giving up all semblance of pace, angling himself as best he could considering their position, to abuse Snape's prostate as much as possible.

Snape, once he got what he wanted, lost himself in pleasure, concentrating on the prick sliding in and out of him, abusing him, knowing that this would likely mean that he couldn't sit tonight, but not caring in the least bit.

Snape leaned up and fastened his mouth to Harry's shoulder as he felt Harry's hand slide underneath them and wrap around his cock. Snape bit down hard on his master's shoulder, breaching the skin and his mouth filled with the metallic taste of Harry's blood as he climaxed.

Snape threw his head back and shouted incoherent babbles as he rode out his climax, tightening his rings around the base of Harry's cock as his master continued to thrust into him, until Harry cried out his own release and flooded Snape from within.

Snape slid his arms around Harry's chest as the young Dark Lord collapsed on top of him in a boneless heap. As soon as Harry softened enough to slip out of him, Snape mustered enough strength to lower his legs, cast a Cleaning spell, and make sure that Harry's robe, which the young man was still wearing, covered them both in the chance that someone disturbed them. Then he slowly drifted into a light doze.





Snape was awoken an hour later by light kisses and nips to his shoulder and neck. He opened his eyes and looked into Harry's smiling face. 'Welcome back,' Harry said, kissing the tip of Snape's hooked nose.

Snape shifted slightly and winced. 'How long were we asleep?'

'I never slept, and it's an hour later. I would have us stay here longer, but we need to ready ourselves for the festivities.'

'Of course,' Snape said, as Harry got off him and helped him up. He winced again and let out a hiss. 'I knew I was going to regret that,' he commented with amusement.

'I had the feeling you might, so I brought this. Lean over that table,' Harry said as he showed Snape a phial of topical Healing potion.

'You had this planned?' Snape asked, bending over the table and spreading his legs.

'Well, I had the wanking part planned, since I was upstairs in my office and was thinking about how much I wanted to fuck you, but the other was absolutely spontaneous,' Harry told him as he lifted his slave's robes and rubbed the potion around and inside Snape's arsehole. 'There, that should do it. It might be a bit uncomfortable for a bit, but you should be fine by tonight.'

'Any chance on telling me what it is we're doing?' Snape asked.

'Not a chance. You'll just have to wait and see,' Harry said. 'Finish up your potion and come get ready.'





'Would you mind telling me where it is we're going at least?' Snape asked as he finished fastening his brand new robes.

'Not far,' Harry said, laughing. You haven't looked outside lately, toward the front of the castle, have you?'

'Can't say that I have,' Snape replied. 'I've been a bit busy lately, making up orders for you and your mediwitch, amongst other things.'

Harry smirked as he combed his hair. 'Then you will just have to wait and see, since you've been so inattentive.'





Snape's eyebrows arched in surprise as he gazed around the decorated lawn. There were at least a dozen long tables, one lifted onto a platform that looked out over the others. Everywhere the eye could see were lanterns and candles floating in the air, all of them spelled not to flicker out in the slight breeze that the Weather Protection spell allowed through the bubble. Outside the protected area a storm raged on in quite chilly temperatures, but inside the designated area, it was as if it was a clear, balmy night. The only indication that it was raining was the occasional flash of lightning.

Pumpkins of various sizes and carved with numerous designs graced each table and floated amongst the candles and lanterns, and dozens of bats flew through the air, the bubble acting as a cage to keep them within. To the right side of the tables was another platform, where there was a small orchestra set up and playing.

'So, what do you think?' Harry asked as he led Snape through the mostly empty tables. His guests had just started to arrive, but Harry had wanted to make sure that he was there to greet them.

'You're expecting many people,' Snape said, stopping short when he set eyes on an all too familiar face. 'Is that Neville Longbottom?' he asked.

Harry turned to gaze in the direction in which Snape was staring. 'Yes, that is. He owns several of the plant nurseries from which we buy our ingredients. In fact, most of the rare ingredients that are sold during our markets come from his companies.'

'How in the world did you manage to get Longbottom on your side?' Snape asked.

'Not too long after I took over the wizarding world here in England, I fully funded the research to cure those that suffered from the effects of spells like the Cruciatus curse. You know how much it cost for that research, and there never was enough money for them to really search for a cure.'

'Yes, it was a shame. I take it that you were successful?'

'Well, the Healers were. Marcos himself found the cure for the long-term effects of Dark spells, and once I'd had Alice and Frank Longbottom cured, they were ready to support me no matter what my politics were.'

'I cannot believe that they are a part of your Black Knights,' Snape said, shaking his head.

'No, actually they aren't. They take care of their own businesses, sell their wares at our markets, but I never interfere with them. As long as they do not oppose me, I leave them be. Come along,' Harry said, leading him to the raised table. 'You're to sit next to me,' Harry instructed, motioning to the seat to the right of his.

Snape looked at the place card next to his and snorted. 'You moved Lucius Malfoy over so that I could sit at your right hand? No wonder he's been a bit of an arse lately.'

'Yes, he was a bit put out, but that's his problem. He's been terribly forward lately, and he needs to be put in his proper place.' Harry looked at Snape and smiled. 'I trust you won't be too smug about the seating arrangements?' he asked.

Snape gave him the most innocent "Who? Me?" face that he could muster and Harry laughed. 'I should have known better than to ask. Now if you will excuse me for a moment, I need to speak with Draco. I'll be back in a moment.'

While Harry was away, he openly stared at the people mingling around the tables. Many of them he knew of old. There were a few Death Eaters scattered amongst the crowd, but Snape had learned that most of the Death Eaters had been put to death at the hands of Harry himself, for their transgressions against those that he loved. The only reason that those like Lucius and Draco survived was because they hadn't actually killed anyone that Harry was close to, nor did they have knowledge of the trap that had been laid for Remus Lupin.

Snape had discovered this through various sources, including Harry himself. Harry, once he had become ruler over the United Kingdom's wizarding population, had interrogated each and every former Death Eater thoroughly before completely initiating them into his own personal Order. A large batch of Veritaserum and a torture chamber later, and out of thirty-eight Death Eaters that had survived their former master's fall, nine were left alive and unharmed. Ten, if you counted one Severus Snape.

So far, Severus counted six. Lucius was still missing, most likely at the manor, threatening to hex Narcissa if she did not get her arse moving. Not that he cared where any of his former companions were. He had parted ways with them long ago, when he had discontinued supporting Voldemort and found himself trapped in the machinations of a new and equally manipulative and determined master. And now he had Harry Potter.

'I'm back,' Harry said, kissing Snape's temple briefly.

'So I see. Are you certain that you want to show affection in public? You might ruin your reputation as a dictator.'

'Just making sure that they know to whom you belong,' Harry commented.

'Don't you need to greet guests, or something?' Snape asked.

'No, they come to me first. I'll mingle after dinner has been served, and you will join me,' Harry said.





Snape was still sitting there half an hour later, nearly bored to tears, while guest after guest came up to gush over Harry. The sight was so nauseating that he had the urge to lean over the table and vomit on someone's shoes.

His current state of unhappiness was quickly uplifted when he caught sight of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy making their way toward the table. Snape's eyes never left Lucius, even as he sat down next to Snape without a word. 'Hello, Lucius,' Snape said, his words dripping with glee in the light of Lucius' discontent.

'Severus,' he said, his voice sullen. Snape couldn't help but roll his eyes at Lucius' childish behaviour. Snape leant forward a bit to greet Narcissa. 'Hello, Narcissa. It's been quite a long time,' he said.

Narcissa, obviously thrown off by Snape's seemingly good-natured greeting, answered without much of her usual aloofness, 'Hello, Severus. Yes, it has been quite some time, hasn't it?'

'Not long enough, if you ask me,' Lucius muttered.

Snape was about to tell Lucius to grow up when a shrill voice demanded, 'What are you doing in my grandfather's seat?'

Snape looked over at Alexandria. 'I am sitting in my seat. Your grandfather is right there,' he replied, pointing to Lucius.

'That's my grandfather's seat,' Alexandria insisted stubbornly. 'He always sits there.'

'Well, today he doesn't,' Harry replied, his voice stern. 'And you, young lady, if you do not put a stop to this tantrum before it really starts, you will find yourself up in the tower within the next five minutes. You will not throw a fit here. Your father may be lenient with you, but I assure you I will not be.'

Alexandria glared at Harry for a moment before she stomped off, her arms folded tightly around her chest. Harry looked at Lucius, then at Snape, and burst out laughing. 'She's quite a handful,' Harry said, shaking his head.

'Yes, she is,' Lucius agreed. He couldn't help but chuckle himself. 'Draco wasn't nearly as bad as she is. I'm going to have to have a talk with that son of mine.'

'See that you do. Oh, hello, Andre. I didn't see you standing there,' Harry said, tugging the boy into his lap. 'How are you?'

'Fine,' he said, leaning against Harry's chest and looking at Snape from underneath his eyelashes.

'Have you met Severus yet, Andre?' Harry asked.

Andre nodded. 'Daddy took us to see him one day. Alex said she didn't like him, and I shouldn't either.'

'Your sister is a brat, and don't let her tell you what to do,' Harry said. 'You can like Severus if you want, and if your sister is mean to you because of it, you come and tell me. I'll take her over my knee and give her a good swatting if she is.'

'Yes, Uncle Harry,' Andre said. 'Can I sit here with you?'

Lucius was about to protest, but Snape smiled at the boy. 'Harry's a bit busy, but you can sit with me, if you want to.'

Andre nodded and climbed onto Snape's lap, while the three people around him stared at him in shock.

Harry was the first to recover. 'Are you sure, Severus?'

'Of course. No doubt his sister will torment him if he leaves, so he's much safer here, and he's really no bother,' Snape said, staring at Harry. He didn't miss the flash of desire that flickered in Harry's eyes.

Snape turned to Andre. 'Do you want a piece of chocolate?' he asked as he reached for the bowl filled with candies. Within, he was filled with triumphant glee. When he had met Draco's children, he had just known that this young boy was undoubtedly Harry's favourite of the two, and he also knew that if he was kind to the boy, it would strengthen Harry's trust in him, which was something that he desperately needed to build.

Snape unwrapped the chocolate bar and gave it to the boy. 'Now don't eat it all, or you'll ruin your appetite for dinner,' he lectured.





On their way back inside, after most of the guests had left, Harry slid his arm into Snape's. 'I was very impressed with the kindness that you showed Andre tonight.'

'He's a bright child. A bit shy, but he has a much better disposition than that little brat he has for an older sister,' Snape replied.

Harry laughed. 'You are quite right about Alex. She's a handful.' Harry leant over and whispered into Snape's ear, 'Between you and I, I rather like Andre better myself.'

Snape smirked and motioned for Harry to head up the stairs to their quarters. The moment that Snape shut the door to their bedroom, Harry was all over him, mouth devouring his ravenously, hands pinching his nipples through the fabric before ripping open the robe to reveal his naked body. 'Do you know how much I wanted you out there?' Harry asked as he turned them around and pushed Snape onto the bed.

Snape slid his arms out of the tattered robe and slid up onto the pillows. 'No, actually, I don't. Tell me.'

Harry tore off his own robe and threw it to the ground. He quickly removed their shoes and socks, and then straddled his slave. 'I'd much rather show you,' Harry growled, reaching for his wand. He moved to position himself between Snape's legs. 'Hold your legs up,' he ordered.

Snape lifted his legs so that he was displayed before Harry. He shivered as he felt the tip of Harry's wand slid into his arse and he twitched as Harry's spell filled him with an oily substance.

Harry used the same spell to coat his cock with the oil and quickly brought himself to complete hardness before throwing Snape's legs over his shoulders. With one quick thrust, he shoved himself completely inside Snape's tight arse.

Snape cried out as Harry started thrusting in and out almost violently, not giving him time to adjust to the invasion, though whether he cried out in pleasure or pain was unknown, even to him. Soon enough, the head of Harry's cock brushed over that sweet spot within and Snape was undone, writhing on the bed like a wanton slut, begging for more, head thrashing from side to side, hands clutching Harry's back, moving his hips to drive Harry in deeper.

Too soon Snape's orgasm overtook him, without the aid of Harry's hand jerking him off, and he held onto Harry for dear life as his master's continued pounding elongated the waves of his climax until Harry himself cried out and flooded his body with his spunk.

Harry collapsed on Snape, his entire body trembling from his orgasm. He lay there until he thought that he might be able to move, and slid out and off his lover, helping him stretch out his legs, which had been cramping a bit. Harry cast a spell to get rid of the semen that coated both their stomachs, and then he pulled Snape close, kissing him softly before falling asleep.





'Po-Harry, I need to go into the forest to gather some fresh ingredients,' Snape said as he slid into bed.

Choosing to ignore the near slip, Harry turned onto his side and propped his head on his hand. 'I'm certain that you do,' Harry commented. 'You've been doing much experimenting these past few weeks. I take it you've finally decided which of your projects you will be resuming?'

'Yes, I have, as a matter of fact. I needed to renew my familiarity with all of my work before I chose those that would be of use.'

Harry nodded and slid closer to Snape, sliding his arm around his lover's waist. 'I'll have Lucius take you tomorrow afternoon.' Harry felt Snape immediately tense up at the mention of Lucius. 'What's wrong?'

'If it's all the same to you, I'd rather go with someone else.'

'Why is that?' Harry demanded, sitting up.

Snape looked away until Harry grabbed his chin between his fingers and pulled his head back toward him. 'Why is that?' Harry asked again.

Snape stared at Harry for a moment before letting out a breath he hadn't known he was holding. 'The last time that Lucius took me to the forest, he...made advances toward me,' Snape told him.

The cold gleam in Harry's eyes sliced into him like razor blades. 'Did Lucius touch you?' he asked in a whisper.

'I shouldn't have brought this up. Let's forget that I said anything.'

Harry didn't say a word as he got up and stalked over to the cabinet on the other side. Waving his wand to deactivate the wards, Harry pulled out a phial of clear liquid. He came back to the bed and sat in his previous position. 'This is a modified form of Veritaserum. One drop will last only five minutes. You are going to take a drop of this and answer my damned questions.'

Snape glared at Harry. 'How do I know that this is all you will ask? Under that, I would have to answer anything that you asked of me.'

Harry shook his head. 'As I said, it only lasts for five minutes, and I promise to only ask questions about that day you went into the forest with Lucius. It will do you no good to disobey me, however, so I suggest you open your mouth.'

Snape snarled but opened his mouth, allowing Harry to place a drop of the bitter liquid on his tongue.

Harry watched as Snape's eyes glazed over almost at once. 'Good. Now, I want you to tell me, did Lucius touch you on the day that he took you into the Forbidden Forest to procure potion ingredients?'

'Yes.'

'Where did he touch you?' Harry asked, already seething.

'He slid his arms around my waist, he brushed his hips against my arse, he grabbed my cock through my robes, he licked the nape of my neck, he placed his hands on my arse, he touched my face with his hands and his mouth...'

'I don't need to hear anymore. You can stop.' Shaking with anger, Harry asked, 'Did you tell him to stop?'

'Yes, but at first he would not listen to me. After awhile, he gave up, when I told him that I wouldn't agree to sleep with him, and I threatened to kill him or tell you what happened.'

Harry seethed and sat back, waiting for the potion in Snape's system to wear off. Once he was sure that Snape was back to his normal condition, Harry was on him in a flash, pressing his mouth onto Snape's in a kiss so brutal that Snape felt his teeth cut into his bottom lip.

Then he pulled back and stared down into Snape's eyes, which were wide with surprise. Harry's own eyes were wild, glittering with various emotions, which brought Snape both confusion and fear. 'You are mine, Severus. You will never be touched by anyone other than me.'

'I didn't ask him to fondle me!' Snape snapped in outrage.

'You should have informed me immediately,' Harry retorted, his anger rising.

'As it happened directly after my head injury, I wasn't willing to risk your wrath.'

Harry sighed and slid down Snape's body, resting his lower body between Snape's legs and rested his head on his servant's chest. 'I'm not angry with you, and I wouldn't have been at the time, either.'

'There was no way that I could have possibly known that, and I wasn't too keen on risking permanent brain damage,' Snape said, his hand hesitating for a moment before starting to stroke Harry's soft, messy mop of hair, timidly at first, but then with more confidence as Harry let out a contented moan.

'I am, however, furious with Lucius. It has been quite some time since he disobeyed me. It seems that he has forgotten that I do punish the unfaithful. He was told never to touch you, and he will pay. First, however, I will personally escort you into the forest.' Harry turned to lap at Snape's nipple, flicking his tongue over the tiny nub. 'Before that, I want to be certain that you know to whom it is you belong.'

'I know, Harry. Believe me, I know,' Snape murmured.

Harry slithered back up Snape's body and brushed his lips against his servant's dipping his tongue in to taste the unique flavour of Snape's mouth when Snape parted his lips.

Snape moaned and sucked Harry's tongue in further, caressing it with his own. He'd stopped berating himself for enjoying his master's ministrations long ago, and now, during these nearly daily encounters, his overanalysing mind shut down to allow him to simply feel. His feelings of contempt, desire, and unequivocal hatred for Harry often clashed, and he couldn't afford for Harry to see the conflict within him.

Harry kissed him back with fervour, hot, wet, sloppy kisses, the best kind of kisses, the ones which reminded Snape that his plans for gaining Harry's trust were coming along, very slowly, but quite nicely. It may take him months, possibly a year or so, but he would get there…





Snape inhaled deeply the fresh scent of the evergreens that were brought into the castle to be decorated for the holiday season. It was only two weeks before Christmas, and Harry was overseeing the decorating. Alexandria and Andre were present to help place the ornaments, as were Lucius and Draco.

Snape smirked as he stared at Lucius for a moment. The man hadn't uttered a single word to Snape since Harry had found out about Lucius' accosting Snape in the Forbidden Forest. Lucius had been extensively reacquainted with Harry's Gryffindor Tower playroom, and he had spent a week in the hospital wing. Now everything seemed back to normal, with the exception of Lucius' self-imposed distancing from Snape, which suited the former Potions master just fine.

Snape was startled by the sound of Harry's yelling. He looked up to see that his master was quickly becoming furious with two of his newer servants, who had accidentally dropped a box of ornaments, thereby turning them into tiny glass shards.

Snape stood up, knowing this was a prime time for him to do something good for Harry's slaves, in order to set part of his plan into motion. He needed to do some snooping, and in order for him to do that, he had to have the help of the other servants, or at least the comfort of knowing they wouldn't turn him in. He figured the best way to do that was to occasionally save them from Harry's wrath, which he knew all too well.

Snape stepped up beside Harry and whispered in his ear. The other two slaves watched in tentative relief as Harry's rage turned into something else. 'I'll deal with you two later,' Harry assured them as he led Snape away in the direction of their room.





'You pick the oddest times to get horny,' Harry said, stroking back Snape's sweat-dampened hair.

'I can't control it when my cock decides it wants to be let out to play,' Snape replied, closing his eyes and allowing Harry to continue stroking his hair. Normally he didn't like his hair messed with too much, except when Harry shampooed it, but he could make an exception now and then.

'It's still not going to keep me from punishing those two,' Harry said.

Snape sighed and opened his eyes. 'I was hoping that you would cool off enough to realise that it was an accident. Harry, they're still terrified of you, they're new, and they're young. They didn't mean to drop the box. The ornaments can be replaced.' When Harry eyed him warily, Snape sighed. 'Will you leave them be, as a Christmas gift to me?'

Harry watched him for a moment. 'Does it mean that much to you?' he asked.

'Yes, it does. If I thought that they did it on purpose, I would say by all means, punish them. It wasn't. They're not the types that would do something like that. Me? Yes. Them? No.' Harry chuckled. 'Very well, as a gift to you, I'll let them go with a warning. Happy Christmas, Severus,' Harry said, kissing his slave's nose. 'Don't worry, you'll get other gifts.'

Snape snorted. 'Of course I will. I'd better, as I've been a good boy this year,' he quipped.

Harry grinned. 'Yes you have…very good.'





Christmas passed and soon it was time for the most hated of all the holidays, for Snape at least. Valentine's Day always managed to elicit a deep-rooted nauseated feeling in the pit of Snape's stomach. It could be, of course, that a certain incident that led him to be nearly attacked by a certain werewolf had occurred only a day before the dreaded holiday. Or it could be because of a certain dance that had been held one Valentine's Day, and Snape had been left alone in the corner while everyone else had fun.

Whatever the reason, it was not high on Snape's favourite past times, but Harry was insisting upon celebrating nonetheless, and Snape had no other choice but to go along.

On the morning before Valentine's Day, Snape cracked open one eye and groaned when he felt a penetrating gaze piercing a hole in his head. He hated being stared at, particularly when he was asleep. 'Isn't it a bit early for what you want, Harry?' Snape grumbled as he turned to face the wall, presenting his back to his master.

Harry slid up behind him and nipped his shoulder blade. 'It is six in the morning, and I wasn't looking for sex, if you must know,' he said. 'I wanted to make sure that you were up early enough.'

'Whatever for?' Snape growled, burrowing his head deeper into his pillow. 'What can be so important that you must wake me at this ungodly hour?'

'You're entirely too spoiled for your own good, Severus. However, it's Valentine's Day and I have a gift for you,' Harry replied, sitting up and slapping Snape on the arse. 'We have to go to your gift, though, since it won't come here. Get up, so we can have breakfast and a shower before we go.'

Snape turned to lie on his back and glare as Harry sauntered off to the bathroom. 'A peaceful night's rest without any disruptions is all I need,' Snape muttered to himself as he swung his legs off the bed.

Snape stood up and stretched his arms high up over his head, tilting his head this way and that to work out the kinks. He winced at the ripple of pain in his arse, wondering if he could persuade Harry to allow him to add a modified Healing potion to the lubrication Harry made him brew.

He glared down as his cock twitched involuntarily at the remembrance of last night's activities. One good thing he could say about the brat that enslaved him was that Harry was on the skilful side when it came to pleasing a man in bed. If it were any other time or place Severus might be inclined to appreciate the little whelp.

'Severus, what are you doing out there? Get in here,' Harry ordered.

Snape sneered at the bathroom doorway, but walked into the bathroom nonetheless. It wouldn't do to anger his master, particularly when he was in such a splendid mood.





'Why do I have to keep my eyes blindfolded?' Snape asked as he pulled away from the hands that were currently trying to wrap a black scarf around his head.

'It's a surprise, and if you Portkey with your eyes closed, you know you'll open them as you land. Now quit being such an obstinate git,' Harry snapped, reaching out and pulling Snape to him.

Snape bit back a scathing retort, one that would inevitably lead to another visit with his master's Healer, and endured Harry's request. 'Happy?' he sneered once the material was wrapped around his eyes.

'Ecstatic. Now hold out your hand.'

Snape reached out, allowing Harry to place his hand upon the Portkey. A few moments later, Snape felt the its uncomfortable pull.

They landed at their destination moments later, leaning against each other in an attempt to keep their footing. Once Snape was certain he would remain upright, he stepped away. 'Can I take this bloody thing off now?'

'Just one second,' Harry told him, stepping over and turning Snape around. 'Now you can remove it.' Harry reached up to untie it and Snape pulled off the scarf.

Snape's eyes widened a bit in his surprise as he drank in the scene before him. It was a small cottage, off-white with forest green shutters framing small windows, surrounded by a large garden filled with various forms of plant life, some of which were obviously plants found only in the magical world.

Snape stepped forward and touched the garden fence, which was forest green to match the shutters. 'This is my cottage,' he said, opening the gate and stepping onto the garden path that led to the front door. 'How can this be? Voldemort had this burned down a year and a half before I left England.'

'About four years ago, Draco and Lucius were doing research on ancient magic, and they came across a spell that could restore a building as it was, so long as something of the building was left and there were traces of magic on the ground where the building once stood. I used it to restore my family's home years ago.'

'When did you decide to restore my cottage?' Snape asked. While they talked, they walked up the path to the door.

As Snape opened the door and stepped inside, Harry said, 'I wanted to do something for Valentine's Day that wasn't sappy or disgusting, and I thought that restoring your home would be the best gift that I could give you, without fear of you vomiting on me.'

Snape snorted, but said nothing. Instead, he looked around with amazement. 'You were able to restore all of this?' he asked, touching various pieces of furniture: his favourite chair, his bookshelves, his tea table.

'Yes, we were able to restore all of this. Unfortunately most of the books were lost and most of your notes, but everything else came back just fine. So, do you like my gift?'

Snape turned around and studied Harry for a moment, before giving a curt nod. 'Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. This is one of the few places that I could retreat to when times got difficult and I needed to think.'

'I'm glad then. The wards on this place are the same as those of Hogwarts, which means that you can go anywhere on this property. If you feel the need to come here, I can have you Portkeyed directly here,' Harry said, coming up and sliding his arms around Snape's waist. 'I'd come with you, of course, if I were able. I thought that this was as good a place as any to become a getaway for us. I do get tired of having people knock on my office door constantly. I sometimes have to wonder about those that work for me. Can't any of them make any decisions on their own?'

Snape snorted. 'They're probably terrified that if they do the wrong thing, they'll find themselves acquainted with your special chambers,' he said.

'True enough. Well, they'll just have to get along without me for the next few days,' Harry said, kissing Snape's shoulder before letting him go. 'The refrigerator and pantry are completely stocked with everything we could possibly need, and so is your laboratory, if you feel the need to work on some potion or something. I've had books brought in that I thought would be excellent for leisure reading, and I will give you a sizeable amount of Galleons so that you can start your collection of books again. I'm sure that you know which you have.'

'Yes, I do remember many of them. I'll start making a list,' Snape said, sitting down at his large mahogany desk, sliding his fingers lightly over its smooth, polished surface. He slid open the drawer and found it completely stocked with parchment, quills, ink, blank journals, and various other things that go inside a desk. He pulled out a roll of parchment, and his writing implements, and started jotting down his list.

Harry watched for a moment, smiling, before going to the bookcase and picking out a book to read. He plopped down on the sofa facing Snape, and started reading, taking advantage of one of the few times he could sit and read something since he'd become ruler of the wizarding world.





Snape awoke the next morning, when the morning sun was just starting to peek through the curtains. He turned over to face his master, who was still sleeping soundly.

Snape almost smiled to see Harry looking so peaceful. It was a rare sight for Snape, to see Harry sleep in later than he did. Most of the time, Harry was already up, even if he were still laying in bed, the wheels in his head turning, already going over what would be needed to be done during the day, the shadow of responsibility and the stress of being an overlord already pressing down on his shoulders. It was times like now, when Harry allowed himself the luxury of deep sleep, that Snape remembered the young boy he was of old, so innocent, before the weight of killing a madman destroyed his innocence.

Snape rolled onto his back to stare up at the ceiling. It was also times like these that he wondered if his plan was truly the way to go. His life wasn't so terrible, if he would admit it to himself. It could be so much worse, and if he learnt to control his mouth, he wouldn’t have to endure Harry's angry moments…

But he would still never be free.

Harry would never free him, and that was the entire point. Snape couldn't do it; he couldn't submit himself to a lifetime of subservience to Harry, no matter what the luxury. He'd run to Dumbledore for help in escaping one horrible master, only to get caught up in Dumbledore's web. No, he definitely couldn't spend his life this way.

'You look like you're thinking hard,' Harry teased, his voice thick from sleep.

Snape turned again and shrugged. 'Just thinking about what else I may have missed on my list,' he lied, making sure to block his thoughts, just in case Harry decided to use his skills as a Legilimens on him.

Harry smiled and sat up to stretch. 'I'm sure you'll remember it,' he said, getting up to use the bathroom. Snape took his turn after him, and when he came back into the room, Harry was lying in bed, looking wide awake and most interested in staying in bed for quite some time. 'Come here,' he said, patting the empty space beside him. Snape noticed that a phial of oil stood on the bedside table next to Harry.

Snape obeyed like a good little slave, climbing in and pulling Harry toward him. 'What would you like, Harry?' he asked, reaching up to stroke Harry's fringe out of his eyes. Personally, he thought Harry needed a haircut, but he wasn't going to mention it.

'I want my Valentine's Day present,' Harry said, reaching over and grasping the oil in his hand. He opened the phial and sat back, pouring oil on his hand, covering his entire palm with the slippery substance.

Snape was surprised when, instead of oiling himself up, he reached over and covered Snape's prick with the oil, stroking him to hardness. 'What are you doing?'

Harry leant over and kissed him quiet. 'I'm getting my Valentine's Day present,' Harry murmured, straddling Snape and positioning his opening directly over Snape's shaft.

Snape groaned and closed his eyes as he felt the head of his cock push into the puckered opening of Harry's body, breaching the ring and become encompassed in the hot, tight heat of Harry's channel. 'God, you're tight,' Snape gasped. 'Stay still, or I'll come like a bloody teenager.'

Harry, happy to comply in order to get used to the intrusion leant forward and placed his hands on the headboard, waiting for Snape to indicate that it was all right for him to move again. It had been so long since Harry bottomed, and he knew that he was going to be sore for some time, but he knew that it was going to be worth it.

'All right,' Snape said, once he knew that he had himself under control. He placed his hands on Harry's hips, helping him to steady as Harry set up a slow, steady rhythm, adjusting himself until he felt the head of Snape's cock brush against his prostate. Gasping, Harry repeated the movement, letting out a loud cry of pleasure, moving faster to repeat the wonderful feeling again and again.

Snape moved his hands up Harry's sides to his chest, caressing his master's nipples with his thumbs, until they grew rock hard underneath his fingers. He pinched the nubs, twirling them in his fingers, causing Harry to cry out again.

Keeping one hand on Harry's chest, Snape trailed the other down to fondle Harry's cock, sliding his finger up and down the shaft in time to Harry's bouncing, running his thumb over the tip, smearing the pearly liquid all over the head.

'Please!' Harry begged, his movements becoming erratic. Snape grasped Harry's cock firmly in his hand and stroked him roughly, until Harry screamed and came.

Snape quickly slid his legs up and steadied Harry with his hips, thrusting up into his master's body, until he flooded Harry's insides with his own release.

Harry slumped forward and rolled off, lying on his back, panting. Snape, once he gathered enough energy, reached for his wand and cleaned them and the bed. Harry then rolled over and laid his head on Snape's shoulder. Chuckling, he said, 'Happy Valentine's Day to me.'

Snape smirked. 'May I ask what that was all about? You never bottom. I'm sure of it, because Lucius would have gloated about it with as much glee as possible.'

That's because I haven't bottomed since I was with Remus. To give him or anyone else that kind of power over me is unacceptable, and none of my slaves are worthy of that gift.'

And I am?' Snape asked.

'You, as I said before, are very different from them.'

Snape looked down at the top of Harry's head. 'I thought you didn't give away your power. Why now?'

Harry sighed. 'You, my pet, will always be under my power. While I have to worry about the others turning on me, you will always be mine. You will always belong to me and me alone. You will never leave.'

And I will never be free, Snape thought to himself, as he wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, the bitterness marring any pleasure that he found in the moment. Yes, it would be to his best benefit to continue with his plans, no matter how long it took.





The years passed, much the same as the previous years, and all too soon it was a month before the annual Alexandria Slave Auction, this one four years after the auction when Harry had set his emerald eyes upon Snape, years after his former Potions master had fled the country.

During this period, Snape found Harry trusting him more and more. Harry, thinking that Snape's willingness to bed him and his increasing lack of acerbic comments meant that Snape was conforming and accepting his lot in life, allowed the man more and more freedom when it came to performing experiments and doing research. He also spent less and less time grilling his slave over his doings, never once thinking that Snape would think of doing something so stupid as betray his trust.

Snape, in the meantime, spent every moment that he dared spare on plotting and scheming, planning his way out of the hell that was his life. He was careful to keep progressing in his research, lest anyone become suspicious. It wouldn't bode well for him if anyone found out what he was truly up to. Finally, he had hit upon a potion that could potentially work, but in order for it to be successful, Harry, whose mark bound Snape to the Dark Lord, had to be incapacitated...unconscious, at the very least, but dead was preferable. Upon Harry's death or unconsciousness, Snape would take the potion, which would block all magic emitting from both marks, allowing him to flee into the forest and Apparate once he passed the Hogwarts wards.

The potion was brewed, Harry's trust in Snape was at an all-time high, something which Snape attributed to the man's Gryffindor heritage, because blind faith was not a Slytherin trait, and the slaves of Harry Potter, many of whom had an inkling of what Snape was about to do, were supportive of Snape's actions, in a silent sort of way. They wouldn't dare speak out, fearing their master's wrath and feeling loyalty to a man who had saved each of them from Harry's wrath on more than one occasion.

Snape, upon waking up early one Saturday morning, four weeks before the next auction was to take place, knew that this would be the day that he attempted to gain his freedom. As was his duty, he and Harry had sex, and afterwards, he told Harry that he needed to go to the forest to gather ingredients. Not finding this unusual, Harry offered to go with him....





Harry walked on ahead as Snape stooped down to pick some wild mushrooms growing in the damp earth of a fallen tree. He looked up at the trees, wondering once again how long they'd stood there, protecting the grounds surrounding Hogwarts. They were huge, some of them so old that they were gnarled, sparse of leaves in some places.

'Severus, what is it you wanted to find?' Harry asked, turning around to look at his lover. His eyes grew wide as he looked straight into the tip of Snape's wand.

Snape fought the spell imbedded deep within his body and said with as much vehemence as he could muster, 'Avada Kedavra!'





Lucius sat in Harry's office, in the chair by the fireplace, waiting for his master to come back from whatever errand it was that was causing him to be late for his meeting. He wasn't worried, however. He was used to his lord being late, especially whenever it had anything to do with Snape. Most likely, the two had found a nice little clearing somewhere in the Forbidden Forest or some alcove in the castle that had not yet been christened by their semen.

Lucius was still chuckling about the time that he'd walked into the potions lab and found the two sprawled on the floor, Snape riding Harry like there was no tomorrow, when he heard the door to the office open. His eyes grew wide with shock as he stared at his master, standing in the doorway. In his arms was the body of his old lover, eyes open and unseeing, mouth hanging open, his body without breath. 'What in the name of Salazar...?'

'He tried to use the Avada Kedavra curse on me,' Harry said, taking the body into his room and placing it on the bed. He adjusted Snape's robes until they were decent. 'After all I've done for him, after I treated him better than any other slave, this is how he repays me. No matter. What's done is done.'

'Yes, my lord,' Lucius whispered, looking down at the body of his old friend with both pity and disgust.

'Lucius, would you please find someone to take the body. I want Severus prepared for burial.'

'Of course. I'll be back as soon as I can.'

Harry nodded and waited until Lucius left the room before bowing his head in silent defeat. He had tried to make Snape comfortable, to make his life worth living, knowing that if his former professor had been given to another, he would have suffered tremendously.

Running his hands through his hair, Harry's gaze drifted over to the bedside table, where Snape's book was still sitting. He noticed a piece of parchment just peeking out of the corner of the book, so he reached over to see what was written on it. He read:

Potter,

After months of suffering your touch, your attempt at "kindness" has turned my heart completely black. I realise you thought that if you caused me to desire you, it would make my lot in life so much easier to bear, but it's only made it more difficult.

I've spent the last two months practising throwing off your blasted spell, after months of figuring out how to do it, and I think I've been able to push it away enough to cause you harm. If you read this note, then I have failed in killing you, and have most likely died instead, either by my own attempt at seeing to your death or at the hands of your anger. Either way, I will be free of your horrific presence once again.

I want you to know now, Potter, that I despise you with every ounce of my being. There is not a single cell in this body that does not wish you dead. You made me want you. You made me like what you did to me, under what you considered consent, when I truly had no choice. I know that you would have eventually taken me by force, so I did what you wished, in an attempt to save my life, to bide my time.

I assure you, my death was not suicide. I took a chance, in the hopes that even if I died, I would take you down into the depths of hell with me. If I do, then I will have atoned for my past sins. If not, then I have done my best, and would be of no more use to those that still oppose you. Just know this, you wretched monstrosity. I hate you with every breath that comes out of my body. I always have, and I always will. If you ever thought otherwise, then I was a much better actor than I thought.

Severus Snape

Harry put the letter down on the bedside table and looked into Snape's lifeless eyes, his own eyes growing bright. Closing his eyes and letting the tears fall, he whispered, 'You had no idea, did you? You never knew that I loved you. You were my only hope for redemption, the only hope left for my soul. You were the last grasp I had on my humanity. Now you're gone….'

Harry took a deep breath and scrubbed the tears from his face. Then he leant over and kissed Snape's mouth once more. He pulled back and stood up. Looking down at the body, he said, 'I really did love you, idiot. You should have known you couldn't defeat me that way. Then again, you probably did and just didn't care, did you?'

Harry walked out into his office and sat behind his desk. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the pile of papers that Lucius had left on his desk, and without another moment of hesitation, he got to work.





An hour after Harry started working, Lucius arrived once again, followed by Draco and two of his other servants. 'He's in the bedroom,' Harry informed the two carrying the magical stretcher.

Draco came around to Harry's side of the desk and sat on the edge. 'Are you all right, my lord?'

Harry waved away the question. 'Of course. He was only a slave, after all. Tragic, yes, as he was an excellent at creating potions, but there are others out there.'

Draco nodded. He didn't have to hear the words. He'd felt much the same way that he knew Harry was feeling when Hermione had been lost to him. 'What do you want to do to with the body?'

'Bury him next to Hermione. Oh, and Lucius, order a nice headstone for the grave. He was a good slave, until the end.'

Lucius nodded and bowed slightly. 'Yes, Master. Would you like some company tonight?'

Harry smiled at Lucius. 'Yes, that would be nice. I don't relish the thought of sleeping in a cold bed when I'm so used to another's company.'

'I'll be sure to be here after dinner, my Lord,' Lucius said, walking out to do as he was ordered.

The two men came back out with the stretcher between them, a sheet keeping Snape's dead eyes from Harry's view. As they carefully walked down the stairs with the corpse, Harry looked at Draco. 'Would you follow them? Make certain that Severus is given the proper attention, and a proper coffin. He deserves the best.'

'Of course, Harry. He was my godfather, after all. I won't let anyone damage him.'

'Go on, then,' Harry said, dismissing Draco.





Snape was buried two days later, a surprising amount of people showing up to pay their respects to the man. That many of Harry's own slaves begged admittance to the funeral was not surprising.

Harry stood there at the graveside, the last to leave. Buried underneath the ground, along with Snape, was the last of Dumbledore's Golden Boy, the last of what was good and kind about Harry.

Harry looked down with just the tiniest amount of regret. Snape had really been a good slave.

Harry shook his head slightly, took a deep breath and turned away, striding back up to the castle. He couldn't very well dawdle by the grave of someone who was of no more use to him. After all, he did have a few more areas of the wizarding world that needed to be conquered, and there was an auction that needed to be prepared.