Chapter Twenty-Three
Blaise shifted his stance slightly showing classical training as Harry moved into a stance that almost mirrored the pure blood. Blaise raised an eyebrow at that and nodded his admiration for the move, and the knowledge that it betrayed.
Harry grinned laconically but his eyes were alight with amusement. They flourished their swords at each other and then with smiles they moved together with a clash of steel on steel. Neither blade was a live blade, but it was still an impressive display and an even more impressive sound as the two steel items met with a clash.
The two backed away after the first clash and eyed each other walking around so they were always facing, obvious enjoyment on their faces showing how very 'un-serious' this particular duel was.
Luna turned as she felt a familiar presence walk up beside her and turned to her childhood friend, the young woman in question was watching the fight with an admiring look in her brown eyes. Luna sensed, however, that Ginny had something to say and looked at the red head enquiringly.
"He's something isn't he," Ginny said finally, and turning to look her blonde friend in the eyes. They were of a similar height, but Ginny's heels had Luna's beat by a good inch so Luna found herself having to look up slightly.
She smiled a knowing smile; one that she knew drove people up the wall and merely nodded in reply.
Ginny's lips pursed in amusement, "I'm not mad," she said her voice backing her words up as it was calm, showing more amusement than any other emotion.
Luna looked at her steadily, and then smiled slightly, "I'm pleased to hear that," she said finally.
"You know that he's seeing quite a few girls don't you?"
"After kissing Hermione this morning at breakfast and then arriving with Daphne and Tracey that seems a little redundant a question wouldn't you say?" Luna asked, her own tone showing amusement now.
"This doesn't worry you?" Ginny asked, curious as was obvious by her look, not demanding.
"Not overly," Luna replied, "Obviously it would be good to own him fully, but one doesn't own the sea, you merely share it."
"Interesting view point," Ginny said turning back to look at the two combatants with a smirk on her face that was more than a little sexually charged as she took in Harry's tight trousers and muscular thighs. "I expected nothing less of course."
"And you does it… Bother you, to share him?"
"I'm not sure I'm going to get the chance." Ginny replied mildly, if a bit wistfully.
Luna chuckled slightly, "I saw the look in his eyes when he saw your... Costume, sister to him you are not."
Ginny smiled slightly her eyes turning sultry as she thought of the other day and the kiss they had shared, "I made a promise to him that I wouldn't chase him anymore."
"We are women Ginny, we are allowed to change our minds often, and without excuse," Luna pointed out with wry amusement. "I think you stopped pushing a moment too soon, tell me this Ginny what would you give to feel him as he - entered you, to have that beautiful body of his hovering above you as he thrust aside your maidenhood?"
Ginny was breathing heavily already, and gulped slightly at the images Luna had effortlessly conjured in her mind.
"Personally that is my kind of heaven, and I think of it often- I'd go so far as to say nightly and on occasion, it's my hourly daydream." Luna said her own tone a little charged, the flared out her dress with her hands, "You think I would dress like this otherwise? We had a promising conversation months ago and since then he has been far too busy with others, I thought this would remind him that I'm interested- do you think it worked?"
"This coming from the girl that just French kissed Harry in the great hall?" Ginny asked sardonically.
"So you think it worked?" Luna pressed.
Ginny chuffed a laugh, "I would say so Luna, I would say so."
Luna pouted thoughtfully, "Without a - female influence in my life I sometimes wonder what to do when it comes to such things," she admitted freely.
"You help me- I'll help you," Ginny said turning to Luna with a smile on her face that was as devious as it was alluring.
"I've often thought about helping a girl-" Luna said with a glimmer of amusement in her usually dreamy eyes.
Ginny blushed and laughed loudly, a noise that was covered just by a clash of blade upon blade, "You are amazing, you know that right?"
"Only you and Harry have ever said that to me outside of my father," Luna noted.
Ginny smiled and slung a friendly arm around the blonde, "That's because Harry and I see the world as it is, not the way others think it should be. You do too, and I think I can speak for Harry and say that is just one of the things we like about you."
Across the battling duo another conversation was just beginning with much the same topic, it was but one of many though some were less wholesome than others.
"What is it about him?" Daphne asked her lover wistfully, they stood beside each other turning a few heads even with the impressive display of blade technique happening out on the 'battlefield'. They were both used to that of course, the rumours surrounding them, no matter how true, tended to put most men's minds straight into the gutter, as if they truly stood a chance. Which of course they really didn't since the two women were largely uninterested in the opposite sex. With one notable exception to that rule. They did, however, like to think they were attracted to a person more than a gender and so far none of the other men had attracted their interest, until that year of course.
Tracey smirked slightly, "He is one of a kind I think, he's a hero for one a true blue hero right out of legend, he's power in many ways, charming, good looking and did I mention powerful."
Daphne smiled slightly a pout appearing after a moment, "What's with tonight?" she asked, "It's not like you to do something like this, this date you've arranged."
Tracey smirked again, "What makes you think there is anything more to it than grabbing him before the rest?"
"You like to get one over people, for certain. But I know you Tracey you never do something without at least two reasons, if not more to make it worth your while."
"The exact details I cannot disclose due to an Oath," Tracey began, "Needless to say that I have spent more time with Harry than you may think and have gotten to know him quite well, a side of him I doubt most know about and something else I can't even mention. He's the one man I trust you with," she said drawing a totally stunned look from Daphne, "The one man I know that you are utterly infatuated with of late as well, which for me is a happy coincidence since, frankly-" she paused looking a little surprised herself, "I've fallen for him somewhat myself."
Daphne looked at her still with that stunned expression on her face, Tracey hadn't finished though, "I know you've kissed him, and I know you Daphne you LIKED it and you've been thinking of little else for a while now. I know for a fact that you want to do more than kiss him."
Daphne gulped slightly, "I erh-"
"We're open my darling, I've affirmed this too you on many occasions and I'm fairly sure you've explored before, I don't mind as I have too- although only recently."
"I have, and I know we're open it's just we're not usually so- open about it." Daphne said with a smile.
"For fear of hurting each other's feelings I suspect, that said in this one thing you and I are in the same boat and it happens to be the same man. A man that is quite capable of- satisfying both our curiosities, and more than likely our desires."
Daphne looked back to the duel a thoughtful look in her beautiful eyes, "Interesting, he can certainly kiss I'll give him that."
"That he can, and he's rather blessed too"
Daphne smiled in a shocked slightly scandalised fashion, "You and he-"
"Have not had sex," Tracey said, "Anything else, is under oath and I have to be careful but I can probably freely say I'm impressed with him."
Daphne caught her bottom lip between white teeth and felt a flush of warmth flow through her at the thoughts that had placed in her head. "So you've set up tonight for us to-"
"Shag him" Tracey said with her usual disarming bluntness, "Yes, I know for a fact I will give myself to him tonight, it is my hope you'll join us, but you don't have to."
Daphne smiled seductively, "Remember that game you and I played with the poly juice?"
"Doesn't do him justice I assure you, and we really need to tell him about that tonight. He doesn't deserve to be- shared around school without at least knowing about it." Tracey said with surprising feeling behind her words.
"You really are falling for him aren't you."
"As will you," Tracey said with a warm smile, "As will you."
-#-
Harry fell back against a boulder and grinned as the point of a blade was tapping his throat gently, he held up his hands and said, "I YEILD!" as clearly as he could with a sword at his throat and at the same time he was grinning his head off.
Blaise nodded, stepping back and re-sheathing his sword and held out a hand to help Harry up. Harry took it gratefully and pulled the surprised man in for a damn near brotherly hug, "I am in awe Blaise," he said still at a volume that the crowd would hear, "Simply put you are the most gifted swordsman I've seen." Which didn't sound so amazing unless you realised that via his 'donors' Harry had seen a great many of the ages best at play and at war.
Blaise damn near blushed at the compliment instead he merely nodding his thanks with a smile as he said, "You aren't so bad yourself, you could be a serious contender on the circuits and with training I think a champion."
Harry blinked back his shock, "Thank you, I'm surprised to hear you say that."
"As with many things Harry you have the natural talent, you just lack the training I have." Blaise told him.
Hermione rushed over and also hugged Blaise shocking him further, "Thank you my champion," she said tongue in cheek as she kissed the stunned young man on the cheek.
"It was a pleasure, my lady," Blaise said smiling slightly, "Perhaps you would honour me with a dance?" he asked much to Hermione's surprise and delight.
"It would be a pleasure," she said as the battlefield disappeared from around them and the band started up again.
Pansy walked up to Harry with a mock pout on her face, "My favour didn't bring you victory today," she commented her eyes showing she was joking.
"I think on the contrary that your favour and Hermione's brought honour and victory in ways we might not see the full extent of for years." Harry replied, his tone serious despite the smile on her face.
Pansy smiled slightly, "For your failure to win I will have to ask that you repay me with a dance," she told him.
"Then it appears I've won after all," Harry told her looking her in the eyes as she said it.
Pansy felt her heart hammer in her chest and smiled at him invitingly, "It's a shame you've got an escort this evening Milord, otherwise I would be able to extract full payment from you in a most- mutually beneficial fashion I think," she purred in a sexually charged voice. "This time I would not be held back by just about anything I would think."
Harry smiled, swept her into a loose dancing embrace and started to dance with her, not sure quiet how to reply to that offer without just throwing her down and seeing how hard a corset really was to get into.
-#-
A little while later after being swapped around most of the girls in his year and some of the ones in the one before it Harry was taking a load off and sipping some punch watching the proceedings and feeling a little lighter than he had since the battle with Voldemort. It was till there, the darkness from having killed a man despite how despicable said man was, he tried not to let him bother him overly but at the end of the day he had been killing more than he liked of late. Sometimes in fairly cold blood, which may match his somewhat draconian nature but the more human side of him baked at it a little he had to admit, if to no other than himself. That said, the wizarding world was free of Voldemort and once the Auror's had done their job and he was sure that they would, they would be free of that dark taint for some time to come. Until the next time of course, because it was human nature and there would always be a next time at the end of the day. It made him a little sad to realise that, but then again he hoped he would be long since dead when the next Dark Lord showed their ugly face to the world. It was just that, a hope, but he was aloud to hope wasn't he?
A presence beside him made him turn and he almost let out a sigh before he caught himself. Talking of amazingly complicated things in his life, not that he was but it seemed to fit. "Hello Professor Zabini," Harry said modulating his tone slightly.
Not enough apparently, "Oh dear," Capelle said with a slight pout, "I'm really starting to bother you aren't I?" she said, though in truth she didn't sound in the least worried about that fact, more - happy about it than anything else.
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," Harry demurred, "Are you enjoying the party Professor?"
"You can call me Capelle, Harry" she corrected him, "Yes I am rather, poor Severus though is quite tired out."
'That'll be all the shagging he's been doing lately,' Harry thought to himself with no small amount of amusement, and a slightly squicked feeling. Somehow it just seemed wrong to think of Snape and Sex in the same sentence even though they had been damn right friendly of late. He was sure Padfoot was turning over in his grave, though if Padfoot had been here he would be doing his best to put his hand up the beautiful woman's skirt by now Harry was sure. If he could navigate such a - voluminous - garment in the first place, Harry had to admit there were some positively fascinating logistical challenges involved with that thought. "Well, Sev was never big on dancing," Harry said with his tone hinting at the amusing comments he was thinking.
"So what about you Harry? Are you 'big on dancing'," Capelle asked with a lifted brow.
"Not overly, but tonight I don't seem to have had a choice." Harry said sardonically, since the girls had been taking turns with him just about the entire evening. Though he was happy to see that Hermione had been dancing with Blaise more than the once demanded of his earlier offer. Happy, and slightly jealous, he had to admit. Not that he was letting himself feel that, if he was aloud to see others then so were any of those he saw as far as he was concerned, even if a part of him roared in indignation of that thought and wanted to tear say.. Blaise limb from limb for looking at one of his harem funny. That was the Black talking though and he was Harry he wasn't going to ruin his life by dictating rules that he wasn't willing to follow himself. It should not be one rule for him and another for his ladies, no way in hell and he had to make them realise that sooner rather than later. He suddenly realised he had been lost in thought and had missed what Capelle had said next, "I'm sorry what was that?"
Capelle lifted a sculpted eyebrow at him, "I asked if you would dance with me?"
Harry couldn't see the harm in that he supposed, so he nodded and was led out to the dance floor. The tune slowed down much to his annoyance and he found Capelle stepping into his personal space. He moved her back to a safer distance and she looked at him with a slightly annoyed expression in those amber eyes of hers.
"It think," Harry said after a moment, "I would like to take this opportunity to relay a little history lesson to you Professor,"
"Harry-" she began warningly.
"You are making advances to me that normally I would more than willingly take you up on, whatever the impropriatry of those advances really are considering your status and mine." Harry said in a no nonsense tone, "You may notice that I'm backing away quite sharply, wouldn't you like to know why?"
Capelle had to admit, that yes, in fact she would, but felt she had to say, "I am a free spirit Harry I do as I please when I please."
Harry nodded, "One of the things I quite like about you actually, but I think you need to understand something. Professor Snape and I didn't used to get along, until this year in point of fact."
"He has already told me this Harry, and yes I know you're both matured-" she told him but was cut off once more.
"There's more you need to know, thus the history lesson. Now you want to treat me as an equal judging by your- inherent offer, so let me be straight with you. Shut up and listen before you make a vey big mistake."
Capelle blinked back her shock, feeling the first stirrings of anger.
"Young Severus Snape was not well liked, he came from a mixed family, wasn't well treated as a student and had a bit of a war with some- to him- arrogant Gryffindor throughout most of his school career. Now frankly, it was equal most of the time, he gave as good as he got which in itself is fairly impressive given their greater numbers, but pranks often can get out of hand. That is neither here nor there though, you see during this time Severus fell in love for the first time and until recently, last time in his life. Skipping certain - private matters, to Severus in fact. I will say only this he loved her enough that he tried to be better for her, much as he is doing now for you. However there is a wrinkle to this tale, this woman was called Lily, Lily Evans and is my mother. She eventually chose my father and in the process I think made him a better man for it, and showed him that he was underneath the brash young Potter a good man. I am proud of both my parents, despite some of the rash actions of my father in his younger years, Merlin I've done worse myself, but at the end of the day they fell in love and he changed. But that is not germane to the subject of our discussion. Lily let Severus down easy, very gently in fact but there is no way to not break a heart in that circumstance, Severus became grief stricken and damn near made a fatal mistake. He stopped himself, for which I admire him a little, because I'm not sure I would've. What that event is, is not important," Harry said cutting off the now silent and emotional looking Capelle who had been about to ask.
"The fact stands that James took something from Severus, at least that was the way it felt to Severus. Obviously he didn't really Lily was her own and extremely strong willed woman, but that festered within Severus for a long time causing him to actually make a very real mistake. Long story short he fed off of that anger for a long time it kept him going when perhaps he wouldn't have before. So in effect it was useful, not good for him, but useful. Anyway, MANY years later a small boy enters Hogwarts, I'm apparently rather a dead ringer for my dad, except my eyes which are my mothers, just to add insult to injury as it were. So not only is Sev faced with a James clone he see's Lily's eyes looking at him. Now personally I think he was an immature prat to me, and obviously I was like eleven I didn't respond well. We've reached a peace now he's found out I'm more like my mother than father, his words not mine. But how do you think he will react if something were to happen between you and I?" Harry said, ending his speech and just swaying to the music slightly as Capelle cried slightly against his shoulder.
"He and I still have issues, mostly we ignore them and that works for us. He's trying to be better for you Capelle, perhaps you could do the same for him?" Harry said, smiled, bowed formally and walked away leaving Capelle an emotional mess that went looking for her boyfriend as soon as she realised she was alone.
Harry walked straight out of the great hall, via the doors shown for the event that led to some small sculpted gardens to clear his head in the fresh air a bit. He had dragged up some issues he had led to rest in the interest of finding peace with someone he had to work with. Said Issues were long from gone, but as he had told the beautiful professor it worked for them and he saw no reason to rock the boat. Whether she realised it or not Capelle could easily have upset that careful balance and Harry had a feeling that Snape wouldn't have reacted- well at all.
He sat down on a bench and closed his eyes, confident that his other senses would warn him of danger. So he was somewhat surprised when he felt someone settle on to his lap, he breathed in through his nose and smiled slightly, "I thought you were done with attacking me," he said his tone teasing and eyes still closed.
"This is sitting, this isn't an attack," a playful voice replied, the shapely form shifted in his lap in a somewhat enticing manner causing him to smile slightly wider.
"If Ron finds you sat in my lap, what exactly do you think he's going to do?" he asked, more curious than angry about his current situation. The fact was that he was thoroughly deprogrammed now and found her weight on his lap more than a bit of a turn on. He wasn't about to give up the game that easily though. He'd made himself a promise not to have sex with younger, but at the same time there was much that could be done that wasn't strictly classified as sex. He'd looked it up and everything, just to be sure. Of course he had been thinking about Luna at the time he'd done that research, it was a cop out he knew, but you had to be flexible in your honour and all that, flexible codes of honour stayed intact, rigid tended to break forever.
"Ron's left, with Lavender in tow about an hour ago. I'm not surprised you didn't notice Harry after all you've been a bit busy." Ginny replied with a slightly mocking and highly amused tone of voice.
Harry smirked slightly, his eyes still closed. In truth he was glad that it was likely Ron was 'busy' and unlikely to be disturbing them anytime soon. He wasn't sure what exactly was going to happen but something was he was sure.
"You know, there's something I've been dying to know," Ginny said her voice low and intimate.
Harry's lips quirked again, "Oh?" he asked, feeling that some new tease and temptation was coming his way from the very female Weasley sat on his lap.
"Now you've defeated Voldemort, and the Ministry has finally mobilised and according to my dad is fighting hard to finish what you started-." She trailed off and Harry opened his eyes a little surprised and fascinated to know where she was going with this, "What do you intend to do now?"
Harry smiled softly at her, no one had actually asked that of him so far not even Hermione and he was a little surprised about that. He had a fair idea of what he wanted to do, and achieve not a career as such but a sort of direction in which he wanted to head. He tilted his head and looked at the open and honest curiosity and a little concern 'for him' on Ginny's face. He was a little touched by that, so he decided to reply honestly. "I'm working on a few things right now Gin, a business partnership with your brothers Fred and George that is likely to make us all quite rich, but that's not why I'm doing it really, I'm already rather well off." He told her seriously, "There's things I want to try, one of which is to drag the Wizarding world into this century kicking and screaming if I have to. I'd rather not be quite so forceful though. Using some ideas I've nicked from Muggle's I think your brothers and I will revolutionise some of the way things are done in the wizarding world. Their phone idea you already know about, that alone will change the way we communicate in my humble opinion. I love Hedwig as you know, and will keep her no matter what, but honestly, owls as a way of communication is a bit redundant don't you think. The mobiles will have the ability to send a parchment message instantly and at just about any length to another phone. That alone will make most owls redundant. For more official documents then fine, use and owl. With the cost the twins are talking about even the least effluent family will be afford at least one mobile while there are some that can't afford to buy or keep an owl."
Ginny nodded, loving the way his eyes were glowing as he got into his subject and inwardly gleeful that her family was so included in his plans it made her proud that they would be a part of this revolution. She herself would like to become more involved as well, not just as Harry's more than willing sexual partner either. "How can I help?" she asked, almost impulsively.
Harry looked at her steadily for a moment, "At this precice moment I'm not entirely sure. I do know you are rather talented at charms. Your Bat boogie hex alone is a master piece. That says a lot for your ability, and I'm also privy to your scores being that I'm an assistant professor. You're pretty powerful too, that will help." He trailed off thoughtfully, "I'm talking to the twins tomorrow and I'll get their input in this, but I think I have and idea. Before I talk to them though I'll keep it to myself."
She pouted playfully at him, her eyes shooting wide as he kissed it away, "Don't pout- it's far too tempting," he told her with a sexy smile on his face.
She looked at him still stunned for a long moment and then said, "Harry- do you think-" she trailed off looking nervous.
"What Gin?"
She breathed in gathering her courage, "I'd like to make out for a while, do you think you could do that?"
Harry opened his mouth to deny her, he really did instead though, "Yes," came out of his mouth and then soft lips were melded to his and he knew nothing for sometime to come.
-#-
Ginny moaned her body plastered against Harry's as she was now laying under him on the bench, his hands had wandered a fair bit gliding across her body in a way that was making her yearn to push the envelope. She knew she couldn't though, she counted herself lucky that she had managed this break through, and reminded herself to thank Luna for this. It had been at her insistence that she had followed Harry out of the Great Hall to this private nook in the gardens and she vowed she would return the favour to her friend somehow. She adored the way Harry kissed her now, no reservation, such passion and heat and his hands, Merlin she loved his hands and the fact one was up her skirt and resting on her thigh at that moment. It was quite literally a dream come true, a sexually charged and hot dream, but a dream nonetheless. She moaned into his mouth as their tongues duelled and gripped his arse firmly a leg wrapping around his body somewhat as she did so. She could loose herself in this man, totally and utterly be lost in the moment for eternity she was sure. If he asked, her knickers would be a thing of the past and her virginity would follow it closely.
She knew he would ask though, at least not yet. She'd make do, the memory of this event alone would give her many pleasant nights to come she was sure. In fact she had an appointment with a solitary bath that very night she was sure. In fact if he moved his hand one inch higher on her leg she was going to have to vanish her underwear anyway. She felt the loss keenly when he broke the heated kiss and looked down at her, burning emerald eyes looking down at her with passion in their depths. She liked that she saw that there now, not the shock she had seen before. She had not pushed him this time, she had just asked and it felt good that he had said yes. She noted with female amusement that he had looked a bit shocked at his own answer, his body had answered for him she was sure, but once it had he had matched word to deed and proceeded to make out with her in a way quite beyond her experience.
"We should be getting back," he said, his voice a virtual purr.
She smiled at him sensually, not that she was capable of anything but at that moment in time, "I'll go in before you- just in case Ron has reappeared yet."
Harry smiled, "It doesn't matter what Ron thinks," he told her.
She beamed at him, and then said, "That means a lot, but right now- let's not rock that boat until we have to."
Harry smiled in return, "As you wish," he told her. "I just don't' want you to think you have to hide."
"I know, and I appreciate it, anyway, if we go in together I may be lynched."
Harry chuffed with amusement, "I'm not sure what's gotten into the female population of Hogwarts of late," he commented wryly.
"You, or they wish at least." Ginny told him, her meaning clear.
"You have a dirty mouth, and mind."
"Well, you can give my dirty mouth something to do anytime you like, I've already told you I want a mouth fu-"
He pressed a finger to her lips, "Don't go pushing my buttons while I'm feeling so- enticed, it's cruel and I may take you up on it."
Ginny smiled, "Feel free," she said and then made and O shape with her mouth.
Harry growled at her playfully, but was seriously tempted, god she had a nice mouth, he was in truth wondering why he'd never noticed how bloody sexy she was these days. "Get thee behind me foul temptation," he said.
"Isn't that my line," she commented with a saucy wink, getting up and flouncing off like she was walking on a cloud.
Harry watched her leave very closely, he hoped she remembered to adjust her clothing before she walked somewhere public she was looking very rumbled, her skirt higher than it should be as well. Not that he minded her current look, in fact he was debating on asking her to keep the outfit for when eh could really show his appreciation, like next year when she was legal. He shook off the thought and tidied himself up a little, checking his watch. "Crickey, 30 minutes," he noted aloud. If that was half an hour with Ginny what would they get up to within an hour. He knew the answer to that of course, if he loosened his 'moral' standing on the underage thing it wouldn't have taken thirty minutes to have her knickers round her ankles and her against the wall he was sure.
"Potter," a familiar snarl made him turn his head in a surprised and slightly wary manner, he saw a livid Snape, and it was Snape and not the Severus he had come to know, walking up to him. "I've been looking for you." He spat out with annoyance in his tone and leaking out of every pore.
"Urh- Professor, what's up?" Harry asked warily, his hand resting near where he had stashed his wand for the evening.
"I've just spent sometime calming my crying- urh- girlfriend."
"Ahh" Harry said, wondering what Capelle had said to make Snape so mad.
Abruptly Snape's face cleared back to 'Severus', "I am unsure if I should hex you, or thank you currently. On one hand you have made her cry, and let out some secrets I wasn't about to tell her. On the other-" he trailed off, his meaning clear enough to Harry. On the other- he had possibly dodged some nasty goings on, which would include a return of Snape permanently and the loss of a building friendship, hurting everyone involved in what was sure to be a major fuck up. Of course, Harry realised, he had lost out on bagging the beautiful professor as well, but there had to be sacrifices somewhere along the line.
"She has told me to inform you that you will not be dodging the favor she asked though, and went on to tell me what she has asked of you. She seems to think you'll require my permission to go ahead. This I give, with no reservation after the- friendship- you have shown me this night."
That was a shock to Harry, a pleasant shock but such a shock that it stunned him into silence, "You realise what is involved?"
Severus looked pained but nodded, "It was explained to me, in enough detail to make me ill." He replied with some of his old biting sarcasm making itself shown. "I have been shown this night that you will act with honor, I have to admit to being- surprised at the depth of that honor. I feel I owe you a personal debt for that, as much as it pains me to admit aloud."
Harry smirked, "It had to be done, you were too private and perhaps too stuburn to say it out loud, to her especially so I knew I had to. I figured, in truth, that you would be more angry."
Snape snorted, "I can hardly be angry when I consider the end result."
"Which is?"
Severus paused, "You may as well be the first to know, since you are in a large part responsible for this. I'm engaged to be married, I think this night has made us realise that neither of us wishes to be aprt from the other."
Harry blinked, blinked again then smiled widely, "Congratulations Severus," he said semi formally, "I'm chuffed to bits for you, I really am, shocked obviously but chuffed."
Severus shot him a slightly sour look, "Twice a potter has meddled in my love life now," he said starting somewhat forebodingly, "I have to say this time has worked out in a more favourable fashion for myself personally, but I do hope you don't make a habit of it."
Harry grinned then through back his head and laughed his head off for a solid minute, during which time even Severus chuckled a little. "You can be sure of that Sev." Harry eventually said, a face splitting grin on his face.
Severus smiled, then added, "I'd tell you to make sure you keep your hands off my future wife but that is rather redundant considering the favour she has asked of you." He remarked sardonically.
Harry snorted and then let out a guffaw of laughter, "Indeed," he admitted.
"Come Harry, your Fans await you in the great hall. I was most impressed by your earlier duelling by the way, but much more impressed with Blaise."
"Me too as it happens, earlier I heard he and Albus talking, the old coot is thinking of reinstating the fencing lessons here."
Snape snorted at the nickname for the venerable professor, "Indeed and who on earth would teach it?"
Harry shrugged, "No idea Sev, but I pity the poor bugger, kids and sharp pointy pieces of metal are not a good match."
"Lets us be glad it is not likely to be us then."
-#-
"What- No way, uh-uh, not going to happen," the petulant voice said.
Surprisingly it wasn't Harry for a change, "Severus- please you have the relevant training, Fillius feels he is too old-" Albus Dumbledore said, somewhat surprised by his professors vehement denial.
"No way, I was just talking about this with Harry," Severus said indicating exhibit A, who was smirking like mad at the situation they had walked into. Despite the fact the party was still in full swing and looked to stay that way until the wee hours, business was still being conducted with the faculty of Hogwarts.
"It's true, we were." Harry said with a nod and a mad little grin on his face.
"Oh, and what was your summary?" Dumbledore asked curiously.
"That we pitied the poor bast- bugg- person that ended up with that job." Harry said, tripping over his words in an attempt not to swear.
"Little did I know you were thinking of me." Severus said dryly.
"I still pity you Sev, if that helps?" Harry asked with a cheeky smile.
"Not especially no, hell if I'm going down, I'm not going down alone." Snape said with a sudden Slytherin look on his face.
"Does Capelle know?" Harry said in a whispered aside, Severus side swiped at him but Harry dodged to one side.
Severus smiled his best Snape smile, "I will do it, on one condition. Since I know damn well you will give me no choice but to, especially since I had a favour to ask, but- that said, I refuse to go into the night alone."
Albus was part amused and part curious at that point, "What is your condition."
"I require an assistant," he said with a pointed look at Harry.
"What- No way, uh-uh, not going to happen," the petulant voice said, and this time it WAS Harry.
"I do believe you were hoping to bring a music class back to Hogwarts," Albus said tugging on his beard and trailing off meaningfully.
"Oh you crafty old coot," Harry said with a smile of damn near admiration on his face, "You realise this means war of course?"
Albus smiled, "You are most welcome to try of course, but I hardly feel the need for a war here, it is merely a mutually beneficial deal for all parties. Fencing, as you well know, is one of my passions from my youth. Alas, I am too old too teach it, I get what I want, Severus get's what he wants and you will get what you want- as I said, mutually beneficial all round. Why perhaps next year we could field our first school team for the interschool championship we have not attended since I was a boy-" Albus said eyes glossing over with dreams of school glory.
Harry and Severus exchanged a look, "He's scary," Harry noted to which Severus nodded his agreement.
Albus snapped back to the here and now and smiled, "So it's settled then- marvellous" he sad driving over both their objections with ease born of long practice, "Right then I will post a notice in the morrow, for now I think I will show these youngsters how to dance." He said and turned to a startled looking Minerva, "Min? would you do me the honour?"
Harry and Severus exchanged another look, this one loaded with amusement then sighed as they realised they were both doomed.
Then Harry smiled, "You and my father et al had a bit of a prank war going on in the old days- I think that is of use to me now."
"I was hardly in the same league as your father," Snape grudgingly admitted, "But I was passing fair-" he smiled looking at Albus smiling smugly, "What do you have in mind-"