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Fandom: Harry Potter Pairing: Hagrid/ Snape Summary: Fate throws two vastly opposite souls, Rubeus Hagrid and Severus Snape, together. Love and new life soon follows. But will the wizarding world except them? Begins in the summer before Harry’s fifth year. Disclaimer: Sorry, don’t own them, wish I did. That great joy belongs to J.K. Rowling. I’m just borrowing them for a bit of fun. No use suing I haven’t got any money. The only things I do lay claim to are the people, places, magic, and creatures I create for this fic. Archive: Snape Mpreg Archive
Manipulation, of course, was the key to everything. Whatever may be said of mankind one fact remains unquestioned; that manipulation was his first and will always be his best weapon in life. Voldemort, for all his vaulted cunning and intelligence, was never one to formulate any far reaching plans. He manipulated those impressionable souls that society’s bigotry had tossed aside into becoming his willing thralls, striving diligently towards attaining their Master’s goals of world domination and immortality. But their progress was slow, hampered. The Dark Lord only thought but perhaps a year ahead in his plans. His opponents, on the other hand, planned matters along the lines of decades, factoring in countless variables. Going through the birth records in search of children born to Voldemort’s supporters or those with close Slytherin ties was a tedious task, but well worth the effort if the plan was to succeed. Picking out the most likely candidates orders were given for each to be followed and observed. Their every movement, every word was painstakingly recorded for analysis. Once the target field was sufficiently narrowed the manipulation could begin. The Sorting Hat was carefully instructed as to where each target was to be placed, no matter what the hat believed was the proper house for the child. Then, after the children had time to settle into the school’s routine, began the campaign. No war can be won without good intelligence reporting, wizard wars being no exception. Time and time again attempts to place a spy within Voldemort’s camp failed. Always he or she would be unmasked and their mangled corpse would be found tossed into some filthy ditch or laying in a field for the crows to feed on the next day. What was needed was someone whom the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters had chosen to approach, to entice into their dark circle…..Someone who had no knowledge of their position as a spy. So the task of creating one began. Easy, it had all been so ridiculously easy. Some candidates failed; they couldn’t handle the stress and broke down. Of all those chosen only one proved to have the right mixture to produce the desired results and all efforts were then focused on him to attain that goal. His home life was torn asunder, twisted into a nightmare he could not escape save by returning to the school, keeping him from receiving mail or packages which would’ve bolstered his flagging spirits. Playing upon the mistrust and hatred which brewed between Slytherin and Gryffindor, turning a blind eye to a series of escalating ‘pranks’, offering silent permission for the perpetrators to advance onto bigger and more dangerous things. The victim was isolated, his pleas ignored, the seriousness of the matters which brought the boy to beg for aid played down as insignificant. Blatant favoritism, harsh detentions, points stripping, each more severe than the last, heaping pain upon pain, till at last the spy was ready. An exceedingly brilliant mind and a bitter heart; hurt, alone, shunned even by many of his own house, shone like a bonfire, beckoning the Dark Lord to order his loyal minions to approach this boy. With words of acceptance, friendship, love, protection, and belonging they brought the boy into Voldemort’s fold. It was only a matter of time before the boy’s eyes would be opened to the true horrors that being a follower of Lord Voldemort entailed. His own good heart, sense of honor, and guilt for the deeds he’d done would do the rest. The side of light would have its spy. They would have Severus Snape. *~*~*~* Quidditch season was beginning. Eager students were crowded into the stands to watch the players dip and dive round the field. Potter was the Gryffindor Seeker and was making his usual death-defying dives after the snitch, dodging bludgers and avoiding Malfoy’s attempts to splatter him all over the field. Draco now played with an intensity that frightened some of his own house. Slytherin was now a house divided; half were for following Professor Snape and the Headmaster, while the others followed in their parent’s footsteps and supported Voldemort. The Potions Master had been forced to take steps to separate the two factions when he’d been called by the portraits, ghosts, or a student to break up a fight in the Slytherin Common room. Those children that were on their way to becoming, or had already become, Death Eaters were still in the old Slytherin dorms. The others Snape removed and situated nearer to his own quarters. Draco and his cohorts had a good laugh over this, thinking of how they’d run the traitors out of a true Slytherin’s territory and into some rundown area of the dungeons replete with damp walls and rats. Little did they know that Snape had anticipated this day would come and planned accordingly. The new Slytherin dorms were far better than the old ones, reminiscent of the Gryffindor’s dorms. Warm and comforting, they were devoid of some of the darker ornaments that began cropping up since Voldemort returned to physical form. The portraits were pleasant and genuinely concerned for their charges, eager to keep an eye out for trouble and alert the nearest teacher which was usually Snape. The Bloody Baron approved so much of the changes he began secretly moving his core haunting site to the new dorms, determined to protect those Slytherins that were in his ghostly mind the only ones worthy to be in Salazar’s house. Pureblooded, loyal to their friends, and cunning, those were the traits the founder of Slytherin valued. Salazar never condoned the wholesale slaughter of innocents, the persecution of wizards and witches who failed to see as he had, and he most certainly never thought murdering your fellow house members as an acceptable way to end an argument. Parkinson had almost succeeded in killing a Slytherin first year who had refused to listen to anymore of the older girl’s hate propaganda. The Headmaster promptly expelled the girl and attempted to see her in Azkaban but she escaped. Everyone knew she’d be back one day wearing a black robe and white mask. Professor Snape had calmed down, except for that strange time where for a few days each month he’d become an absolute bitch. Ron Weasley jokingly referred to it as ‘Snape’s time of the month’ one morning after watching the Professor storm into the class looking like something the cat dragged in and threw up on. That overheard comment earned him a week’s detention and luckily Madame Pomfrey was able to fix the broken nose Hermione dished out. Poor boy didn’t realize Granger was experiencing her own period and took offence to the red-head’s comments. Afterwards in the sanctuary of their dorm the boys all agreed, PMS should have been a four letter word. Of Snape and Hagrid neither one had brought up that night in Hagrid’s hut and the facts that were revealed in the bed. Hagrid because he was shy and still unsure as to what Severus felt and wanted while Severus was still leery of opening himself that deeply just yet. Though to anyone who was watching and knew what to look for it was only a matter of time. Sooner or later they would have to come out and speak of their feelings for each other.
“Hagrid?” Severus called from the open barn doors. “Down here,” drifted a reply from the furthest stall. Walking down the silent barn Severus noticed all the stalls were empty, not a single animal remained. Why would Hagrid remove all the other beasts? Did it have to do with the cryptic note one of the school’s owls had delivered not a quarter of an hour ago? All it said was for him to bring a variety of healing and fortifying potions for animals down to the barn as quickly as possible. What kind of beast had Hagrid found this time? Obviously a wounded one otherwise he wouldn’t need Snape’s potions. Stopping at the stall door Snape had a few of those questions answered, and a few more created to replace them. Hagrid was sitting on a thick layer of straw, slowly petting the head of what had to be the biggest winged snake Severus had ever seen! No Occampy was this big or possessed such wondrous plumage. A thick layer of feathers, reminding him of a mane, decorated its head and neck, trailing down the spine, disappearing just past the wings. The body was easily 35 feet long and as big around as his waist at its widest point. The wingspan, if he estimated right, would easily equal and perhaps even pass the body’s impressive measurement. It had been an extraordinary creature once, still was really, but its true magnificence was shrouded by its current poor condition. Bright rainbow feathers were dulled with pain and grime. One wing was bent at an odd angle in an area where no joint should be, the flesh surrounding the broken bone swollen and hot. A jagged gash marred the perfection of its thick emerald green scales along the left flank. Another, deeper, wound ran across its neck and up to the head at a sharp angle, just missing the beast’s golden eye. From the looks of the scattered medical supplies Hagrid had been trying to work on the beast, but without much success. Poor man, he was crying, great big tears dropping to wet his wild beard. “Hagrid what on earth is this?” Severus asked kneeling down besides the bigger man. “Some South American wizard broughts him inter the Menagerie, tryin’ ter sell him fer parts. Said he weren’t no good, wouldn’t take ter being tamed. He’d beaten him, that’s what he did. Hurt the poor wee tyke when he didn’t do what he wanted.” Hagrid sniffed loudly. “I got Madame Poe ter buy him, and then bought him from her.” Poor wee tyke? Only Hagrid would call such a gigantic serpent a wee tyke. It always amazed Severus to see the empathy Hagrid displayed for all manner of magical beasts. He seemed to share their joys and pains as if they were his own. Perhaps that was the reason why magical beasts were inclined to follow Hagrid and allow him to handle them. They knew at some instinctive level they were safe with him, that he would never hurt them or allow anyone else to either. “I’ve tried everthin’ I could think of. Nothin’ works, he’s jus’ getting’ sicker an’ sicker.” “Have you gotten any of these potions into him?” Severus motioned towards the bottles laying in their carrying case. “He won’t takes ‘em. I can’t gets him ter open his mouth. He jus’ lays there, like he’s given up.” Maybe it had given up. Some abused animals lost the will to live after a certain point. “Can yeh help him Professor?” Pleading black eyes fixed on him. “Please?” Severus sighed in defeat. He’d found out rather early in this unusual friendship that there was no defense against Hagrid’s puppy dog look. “I’ll try, but don’t get your hopes stirred up. If the beast is truly determined to die than nothing I can do will stop it.” “I knows that Sir, but at least yeh’ll try right?” “As I said I’ll try, but I make no guarantees.” “That’s all I ask Professor.” “Severus.” “Huh?” “I would prefer for you to call me Severus.” Hagrid beamed a bright smile at the smaller wizard. “All rights, an’ yeh can call me Rubeus if yeh like.” Snape smiled an honest to goodness smile. “Thank you Ha-Rubeus.” “Yer welcome Sev’rus.” Long into the night they worked taking turns setting with the creature, checking its wounds, casting warming spells about the stall. Severus chose his potions carefully; screening out ones he thought might be too strong or cause the beast to sleep too deeply. It offered no resistance when they pried open its mouth and poured the strange fluids inside, it just swallowed automatically. At least its defeated attitude wasn’t affecting the effectiveness of the medicine. Both cuts were healing nicely as was the wing once Hagrid had set the bone to its proper position. But all the healing in the world wouldn’t be enough to save its life if it gave up. Dawn was nearing; the first bloom of color was beginning on the horizon. Hagrid was propped up against one wall fast asleep. Severus had taken over for the big man sometime around 1 o’clock. He’d been tending to the creature far longer than Severus had and needed the rest. “You don’t have to do this you know,” the man’s voice was pitched low and soft; more to keep from disturbing Hagrid than from his need to comfort. In his lap the beast didn’t even seem to notice he was being talked to, so still and quiet it was. But rest assured, it was listening, listening very intently. “Hagrid will take very good care of you. He’ll love you and never treat you badly.” Golden eyes opened ever so slightly. “He adores magical creatures, the more dangerous the better, goes out of his way to see that they’re happy and safe.” He patted the thick plumage. The feathers shifted a bit, perhaps by a stray wisp of wind or by deliberate muscle action, Severus was too caught up in his ramblings to notice. “He like that you know. Look at me, he took me in, healed me, he…likes me.” The barest tip of a pink forked tongue sneaked out, scenting the heat those words brought forth on this two legs’ skin. “I’m not a very likable person. Most would be only too happy to call me a soulless bastard to my face, many have said that and worse.” Lost in his thoughts Severus didn’t notice his one sided conversation was being listened to by more than just the beast. Hagrid remained still, not moving, eyes closed to all but the barest of slits. He listened, attention fixed on the smaller man’s wonderful voice. Eavesdropping was a bad thing to do, but sometimes it was the only way you learned the most important stuff. “But he doesn’t say those things. Hagrid wouldn’t say them. He’s a better person than all those mindless louts combined.” Severus idly played with one aqua feather. “So what if his parentage doesn’t meet others standards, so what if he never was allowed to finish his schooling properly. Fine breeding doesn’t make a gentle soul, nor does expensive schooling make a good and noble heart. We are only born with the potential for them. It’s what happens after we leave the womb that shapes us, for good or ill, into the people we are. Look at me; look at what I’ve become; an ex-Death Eater, a spy, the chief player in countless students’ nightmares. A bastard, a greasy git, a heartless old vampire that no one would miss in the slightest if I were to disappear or die one day.” It hurt to hear Snape describe himself like that. “What is it within me that he sees as worthwhile?” The beast had no answer to that. Not that it would answer if it had. (More than yeh know Sev’rus. An’ I intend ter teach yeh abou’ every single one o’ ‘em.) Hagrid almost hummed in anticipation, stopping just before he did so aloud. Severus wasn’t done speaking yet and he wanted to hear every word. “I don’t know why I think he feels more than friendship. Oh, I know he reacted that time I slept over at his hut, but that could’ve happened with anyone if they rubbed him the right way.” (Hah! Was yeh, yeh daft man! Yer the only one that makes me feel that way. Yeh probably could raise me from the dead if yeh wiggled on me a bit.) Severus yawned, it was late, the night before hadn’t been at all restful, and classes earlier were grueling. “I’m so tired.” Before he knew it Severus had leaned back to rest against the wall and drifted off to sleep. Hagrid waited till he was sure Severus was deep asleep before moving. Quietly an extra blanket was found and spread over the smaller man’s now prone form. He might be sore upon waking from the slightly awkward position but Hagrid wasn’t going to disturb Severus till it was absolutely necessary. The dear man needed to sleep, something he’d hadn’t been getting much of lately. Throughout all this the great serpent hadn’t moved. He watched this strange pair of two legs, listened to their words. Neither had made any move to hurt him as the one who’d caught him had. A momentary lapse of stupidity that, something it hadn’t experienced in a long time. Letting one of this species get close enough to his resting place to use its magic and place a hobble on him to prevent escape. He felt ashamed, only hatchlings made such mistakes! And he was far from a hatchling. Two legs were never to be trusted. Never! Hadn’t he learned anything since that first day their two species came face to face? But these two legs had mended his wounds, spoke soft words to him, and sheltered him in a warm den. Never once had they tried to hobble him as that other had. Their actions were compassionate, and the big one had shed water for his pain. Did he truly want to die now? It was his choice, to live or die. It was tempting, so very tempting, to just accept, to embrace the darkness and be free of this harsh world. But neither he nor any member of his species had ever given in while there was still a chance to live. Too much to think about, it was making his head hurt again. Closing his eyes the serpent decided he would decide in the morning, decide everything. Not for the first time Severus wondered how on earth he’d come to sleep in such an unusual place. Sleeping in a barn was extremely low on his list of things to do. Memories of the night before filtered back into his sleep fogged brain. Ah yes, he’d been helping Rubeus with that injured…injured whatever it was. Making a mental note to check if the library held any clues to the creature’s species and care Severus began pulling himself together as best he could without the benefit of coffee. Oh Merlin! Did he ever need a caffeine fix! Sometime during the night a blanket had made its way onto his prone form and he was loathe to leave its comforting warmth. At this time of year the mornings were chilly and the stables only retained so much heat. But there was little time to dawdle, certain bodily functions were demanding he attend to them, and then there were the 3rd and 4th year’s potions essays he needed to finish grading. At least there were no classes today it being Saturday, the students who could would be off to Hogsmeade leaving most of the castle empty save for the teachers, 1st and 2nd years, and those unfortunate students forbidden to go for one reason or another. Casting the blanket aside Severus rose gracefully to his feet and began stretching to loosen a few stiff muscles who were protesting his choice of a heap of straw as his bed. Hagrid was nowhere in sight, something that Severus thought extremely odd. He wouldn’t have expected the big man to leave him sleeping alone with a strange, albeit injured, beast. The half-giant must really believe their patient wouldn’t harm Severus, one of its saviors, if he awoke before Hagrid returned from wherever he went. Speaking of beasts said creature was laying there not five feet away coiled all about it, wings draped around its body for added warmth. It was still alive, the steady rise and fall of its breathing and improved color the best proof that all their efforts hadn’t been a waste. “Whoops! Thought I’d get back before yeh woke Sev’rus,” Hagrid’s cheerful voice filled the stall as he entered a heavy picnic basket and an old battered library book in one arm. “All is forgiven Rubeus if that’s coffee I smell.” Severus eyed the basket hungrily, wondering what other goodies besides the life giving elixir might be hidden inside. “It’s coffee all rights,” the big man sat the basket and book down. “Had the house elves pack us a breakfast basket while I was pickin’ this up from the library.” Momentarily forgetting the basket Severus picked up the heavy tome and read the half faded title. “Rare and Exotic Beasts of the Americas by Lucinda Meadows. An excellent choice, whatever your new friend is this book is the perfect place to start researching for it.” “Me thoughts exactly,” Hagrid picked up Snape’s discarded blanket and spread it out over a thick clean patch of straw. As he busied with setting up their morning meal Severus left to take care some business inside the hut. Snape quickly dealt with the pressing need to relieve his bladder and cleaned himself up a bit before returning to the stables and breakfast. The house elves absolutely loved to serve and when Hagrid had so politely asked them for a breakfast basket for two they were only too happy to oblige. Scrambled eggs, golden brown potato cubes, bacon, sausage links, fresh toast, a selection of jams and jellies, freshly sliced apples and peaches, pumpkin juice, and of course coffee were laid out just waiting to be consumed. Hagrid had politely waited till Severus had returned before beginning to serve himself. Naturally the first thing Snape reached for was the coffee. Holding the cup of steaming mocha brown liquid to his lips, Severus closed his eyes, inhaling the heady scent before taking that wonderful first sip. Oh Heaven! Sweet, sweet caffeine! Mother’s milk couldn’t have tasted this good! Hagrid chuckled as Severus lost himself in caffeine bliss. He liked coffee well enough but really preferred his own brew of tea in the morning. But he wouldn’t begrudge the man his own preferences, or try to force his own on Severus. Accept them as they are his Da’ had always said and Hagrid always strove to follow those teachings. Soon both men were eating while they thumbed through the book’s index section. Over on the other side of the stall their patient stirred. Golden eyes opened slightly, silently observing the two legs. They were eating strange things that smelled quite good. He was hungry; healing took a lot out of the body. Countless years of evolution’s hard work came into play as he began creeping silently over to the pair. Not a single blade of straw stirred to mark his passing, each move made so as not to draw attention to himself. Neither Severus nor Hagrid noticed the beast’s stealthy approach, being too involved in using the cross reference section of the book to narrow down the field of possible pages. Things such as legs, bat wings, tentacles, size, fur and such were quickly eliminated, leaving only three possible listings to check. The first two, while close, weren’t exact matches but as the old saying goes third times a charm. “This is it!” Severus tapped his finger against the page’s illustration. “Our friend here is a Mayan Quetzal, most commonly called a Kukulcan. Considered a distant kin of the European dragons this feathered serpent is one of the oldest and most mysterious of all South American breeds. Little is known about its everyday life or mating habits. Most Magizoologists agree that its diet was mainly omnivorous based on its dental works, mixing a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and animal meats. Considered to be a long lived breed Quetzals bred asexually, one Quetzal was capable of laying up to thirty eggs in a clutch, it is unknown how the species avoids the dangers involved with such a limited genepool. The Quetzal’s origins are unknown as it appears in prehistoric carvings many centuries before wizards were recorded as living in the area. This species was the basis of the feathered serpent myths among the ancient muggle religions prevalent in the area at the time.” “Quetzals share several traits with their dragon cousins. They can upon reaching adulthood breath fire as well as create a significant wind gust with their powerful wings. Quetzals love storms and was often seen flying amidst the storm clouds playing with lightening bolts. The three claws at the wing joint are very versatile and capable of handling objects very delicately.” “Amazin’ little beauty ain’t he?” “Indeed, here’s more.” Severus started reading again. “Unfortunately many of the questions about this remarkable species will have to remain unanswered as in 1844 it was officially listed as extinct. The last verified sighting was on September 16, 1711 by an exploring wizard and his guide, no other sightings or other signs that this remarkable species is alive have been found since and all efforts to hunt down a living specimen have failed.” “Blimey! Extinct, that means there ain’t no more like him right Sev’rus?” “Correct Rubeus, but since we’ve been tending to one contradicts that assumption doesn’t it?” Snape said before reading aloud again. “Quetzals parts could be used in a variety of magical ways. Their feathers and scales were used in both potions and amulets to protect against lightening and assure storm free journeys. Quetzal blood was a powerful medical aid, capable of overcoming some of the strongest wizard illnesses. The multi-hued feathers were especially prized by wand makers, the first three feathers above the eyes being the most potent. The scales could be converted into a potent charm against all manner of natural and magical fires.” “Little wonder they went extinct.” Hagrid shook his head sadly. “So many parts o’ ‘em bein’ useful an’ all that.” “Greed is often the basis for extinction Rubeus, both with muggles and wizards alike.” Severus sighed as he closed the book. “Thank Merlin that idiotic lout that sold him didn’t know anything about his captive, otherwise things might’ve turned out much differently.” There were going to be repercussions to this; Magizoologists from all over the world would be swarming over the school in an effort to see and study a living Quetzal. There would be uproar at the Ministry and Hagrid would probably be ordered to hand over the beast for study. No doubt the poor creature would end up in some zoo for the rest of its life, poked and prodded and slowly torn apart for its valuable parts, with never another moment of freedom. No. That wasn’t going to happen. Severus knew Hagrid was thinking the exact same thing. The half-giant would take the Quetzal out into the forest and release it before he’d allow those Ministry idiots to get they’re greedy little claws on it. To their left a dish rattled and both men stared in disbelief as the formerly sleeping beast went about devouring the sliced fruit, having already cleaned off the plates containing what was left of the others items available. It was odd to see such an obviously serpentine creature chew its food as snakes ate their meals whole. Between bites those bright golden eyes would turn towards them. A long forked tongue flicked out at the two men, assuring itself they weren’t making a move to stop it. “Rubeus, what do we do?” Snape whispered out the side of his mouth, one hand slipping slowly into those black robes searching for his wand. Hagrid’s hand stopped him just short of pulling the thing out. “Don’t do that Sev’rus, all it wants is ter eat.” “Very well, just so long as it doesn’t intend to add us to the menu.” Snape muttered but left his wand safely hidden. The Quetzal didn’t seem to care much for coffee, but adored pumpkin juice, slurping it down with gusto. Smacking its lips the beast nudged a few empty bowls, hoping to have missed some morsel of potato or bacon. Having satisfied itself there was no more food to be had the Quetzal turned its full attention on Severus and Hagrid. “Steady now,” Hagrid muttered the command in as stern a voice he could without raising his voice. Severus didn’t need the half-giant to remind him, he was almost paralyzed, but not with fear. Fascination better described his current emotion. There was a sense of infinite wisdom and age hiding in those honey colored depths, like looking into the well of knowledge beneath the world tree Yggdrasil his Father used to tell him about at bedtime. This was a being older than any other, predating the beasts that roamed over England’s soil but by how much he couldn’t fathom. Balancing on a bed of coils it rose up, always keeping eye contact with them. Lowering its head down it extended its long forked tongue, the tips brushing delicately over their faces, taking stock of them. Hagrid had rarely ever felt real fear before when he dealt with magical creatures. He’d always trusted his knowledge and instincts. It should be the same now, but it wasn’t. He wasn’t facing this new and potentially deadly creature alone with only himself to worry about. Severus was here and while he was a powerful wizard Hagrid’s instincts were screaming this beast could easily kill Snape before the big man could stop it. Fear, not for himself but for his companion, that was what he scented on the bigger two leg. Odd, these were both males, well almost. The smaller did have the added scent of female lingering about it. A mated pair then. Perhaps the two legs of these islands were different from those infesting his species’ ancestral range. It was too soon to allow himself to trust them, more deeds than their assisting in his healing had to occur before that risk was taken. A truce then, live and let live. Both men suppressed a sigh of relief when the head pulled away. Looking down at them the creature gave a deep rumbling hiss and…. “Look out!” Hagrid yelled, pushing Severus to the ground and covering the smaller man with his massive bulk, as the Quetzal launched its body over their heads and out the stall door. A single beat of half furled wings propelled it forwards till it was free of the barn. With a triumphant roar the great winged serpent spread its magnificent wings, the rainbow hues glittering in the morning light, and flew straight into the Forbidden Forest. Within a heartbeat it had disappeared into the thick mysterious woods. “Well that’s done it,” Hagrid sighed. “He’s in the forest by now, he’s safe.” “If anything can be safe in those woods,” a muffled voice filtered up from somewhere near his chest. “Rubeus? Could you move? You’re squashing me.” “Sorry Sev’rus!” Hagrid scrambled to the left, pulling the smaller man up and into his lap. “I was jus’—” His cheeks flamed with embarrassment. Severus pulled himself closer; laying one hand on the other’s cheek he made sure he had Hagrid’s attention before speaking. “You were protecting me. You were going to let that beast hurt you rather than me.” He accused. Hagrid mumbled and stuttered, unsure as to what he could say to explain him actions to the other man. “Rubeus?” “Er..Yes Sev’rus?” “Thank you.” Snape’s voice was soft. Black eyes gazed up into Hagrid’s, filled with a wonderfully warm glow that he’d never seen before. “Yer..yer welcome..” Hagrid fumbled with his words, suddenly becoming aware of the wizard in his lap, touching him, looking at him so lovingly. Severus could feel the other man’s breath on his face, feel the great beating beneath him palm. So close, they were so very close… Severus leaned forwards… Hagrid bent his head down a bit… Their lips were but a hair’s breath away from touching… “HAGRID??!!” Familiar voices called out from the barn’s entrance. “ARE YOU HERE? WHERE ARE YOU? ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?” Severus and Hagrid fairly leaped apart, putting distance between themselves before the trio of students came rushing into the stall. “Hagrid! Are you all right? We saw this whopping big snake with wings fly out of here!” Harry Potter was asking his question before he’d even come to a complete stop, eyes wide and out of wind from running. “What on earth was that thing?” Ron Weasley gasped, leaning forwards to catch his breath. “It wasn’t an Occampy, it was much too big.” Spoke the third member of the trio and bookworm Hermione Granger. About that time all three noticed Hagrid wasn’t alone in the stall. “Professor Snape??” Ron squeaked in a perfect imitation of his former pet rat. Drawing arrogance about himself like a cloak Snape stood up. “Well, well, well. Mr. Potter and his cohorts.” He glared at them, a familiar sneer painting his face. “And what pray tell brings you here? Were you attempting to rescue this lumbering oaf from my awful clutches perhaps?” “We just came out to ask Hagrid if he wanted anything from Hogsmeade Professor.” Potter met the tall Professor’s disdainful gaze defiantly. Harry had a new respect for the man after the tragic events at the end of last year but that didn’t mean he had to like Professor Snape. The man was still the same spiteful bastard he’d been since the boy first met him. “Nothin’ today Harry,” Hagrid climbed to his feet, brushing straw from his clothes. “Thanks fer askin’ though.” “I believe I shall take my leave Hagrid. Since your new pet has intelligently decided to flee into the forest my services aren’t needed anymore. Kindly refrain from calling me out here for such useless tasks again.” He shot the half-giant a disdainful scowl, widening its field to include the three 5th year Gryffindors. “I have better things to do with my time than to minister to your collection of mangy beasts or listen to long hours of useless prattle.” And with those parting words Snape picked up his basket and stormed past the three students, black robes billowing about his body as he started back for the castle. Knowing Snape’s words and actions were only for show Hagrid schooled his face to look a bit chagrined. Better that than let Harry, Ron, and Hermione see the humungous grin he longed to show. This thing developing between Severus and himself was too new to let anyone else know about just yet. He especially couldn’t let his young friends here see it. While Hermione might accept it the big man doubted Harry or Ron would. Most probably the youngest male Weasley would attempt to make Sev’s life hell and enlist his twin brothers to help out. As for Harry he wasn’t sure what the Boy-Who-Lived would do nor did he want to find out. “Glad he’s gone.” Ron shot a disgusted glare at the retreating back of their Potions teacher. “Greasy git shouldn’t be out in the sun, he’s likely to melt.” “Ron! That wasn’t a nice thing to say about a teacher.” Hermione admonished the redhead, smacking him on the back of the head. “Aw C’mon Hermione!” Harry couldn’t help but giggle a bit at his friend’s whiny tone. Hagrid smiled at their antics. “Would you three like a cup o’ tea before yeh leave?” All three readily agreed and their conversation turned to the upcoming Quidditch match and the possible winner as they walked to Hagrid’s hut. Tbc..
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