Disclaimer: Never was mine / Never will be mine I am making no money from this story. Everything belongs to JK Rowling and Warner Bros.

Beta read by the fabulous JediCandy

Chapter Nine – Hermione and the Glumbumble.

At 2.55pm Severus found himself standing outside the safety of his homes wards awaiting Hermione Granger's arrival. The only pleasure he could take out of this was the fact she would be immensely shocked to see him standing there when she would, no doubt, be expecting Potter. Oh, of course there would be the look of shock when she actually saw Potter, which would bring him a moment's pleasure.

Now he was annoyed again. Why did he have to put that brat back into his mind again? Seeing him everyday was starting to become slightly uncomfortable. He hadn't missed the little looks the boy had been giving him, or the fact that Potter would just stare at him when he thought he was unaware. He had hoped Potter would have gotten over his little crush by now; it wasn't that he didn't find Potter attractive; he did especially in his 'new' body. Nevertheless, he was a student and that was that. He was even prepared to go as far as to say he liked the boy. He was quite pleasant once you got to know him. He was not the egotistical attention seeker as he had thought. He found the boy to be quite the opposite, in fact it made him almost endearing. A popping noise could be heard to his left and he turned to meet Hermione Granger.

"Pro… Professor Snape?"

"Very observant, Miss Granger." He replied in a tone that was as dry as the Sahara desert.

"Sorry. It was…, I was expecting someone else." Clever girl, she was smart enough not to mention names. He could tell she was nervous though.

"Follow me."

Once they were past the wards, Severus turned to the girl, "I'm sure he will fill you in on all the details, but you should be prepared for a slight shock." Not giving her time to respond, he continued up the path and into the house.

Harry was excited! He couldn't wait to see Hermione. It had been a little over two months since he had last seen her, and, boy, hadn't he changed! The door opened and he saw her follow Severus inside. She was wearing the same expression he guessed he had been wearing when he first stepped into Snape Manor: total awe!

"Mione," he saw her snap her head around to look at him and he saw her eyes widen in disbelief.

"Ha-Harry?"

"Surprise!" He grinned at her. Immediately he saw her stiffen slightly. Oh, dear, he thought, here it comes.

"Harry James Potter! WHAT have you been getting yourself into? I can't leave you for five MINUTES without you getting yourself into some kind of trouble. AND you had to drag poor Professor Snape into what ever MESS you're in!" He could tell she was on a roll now; she had started to point her finger. He couldn't help rolling his eyes. "Don't you DARE roll your eyes at ME! You had better NOT be causing Professor Snape any trouble while you are here, because if you are YOU WILL HAVE TO ANSWER TO ME!"

He could see Severus trying not to laugh at him from behind Hermione, although he pulled himself together quickly and addressed Hermione

"I couldn't have put it better myself, Miss Granger. 10 points to Gryffindor! Now, if you will excuse me, good afternoon, Miss Granger."

"That is not fair! We are not even in school!" Harry complained, even as he smiled, it was such a Severus-like comment.

Severus walked up to him, "Whoever told you life is fair, Mister Potter?" Severus smirked at him and walked off in the direction of his lab.

Hermione was looking expectantly at him. "I can explain, and it's a good excuse too! Totally not my fault, I promise. Shall we go for some tea?"

She gave him a piercing look and walked up to him, "Regardless, Harry, it's good to see you again," and she gave him a big hug that he was all too happy to return.

He led her out to the garden patio. As they sat down at the table and chairs there, Lula popped into existence, "Is Harry wanting me to get him and his guest something?"

"Yes, please. Lula, can we have afternoon tea?"

"Yes, Harry, I will not be taking long."

"Thank you," with that Lula was gone.

"Wow, Harry. Is this Professor Snape's home?"

"Yeh. Amazing, isn't it? Just wait until I give you the tour. It's such a beautiful place. Oh, and you'll just go mad when you see the library. It has thousands of books in it and loads of which I've never seen before on every possible subject!"

"You're very lucky to be staying here. I don't imagine Professor Snape likes his privacy being taken away, though."

Lula came back loaded down with trays full of sandwiches, pumpkin pastries, cauldron cakes, and a mountain of different biscuits, tea and pumpkin juice.

"Thank you, Lula."

"You is welcome, Harry," and she was gone again.

Harry could see Hermione frown at the presence of the house elf. "Mione, promise me you won't try and free them while you're here!"

"I promise I won't try anything. I realise it's a lost cause, but that still doesn't mean I have to agree with the concept of house elves."

"They are very well looked after here. Severus treats them with respect and dignity." He could see a slight look of shock and confusion on her face. He totally got the wrong ideas, "Oh, I know it's hard to think that he might treat house elves well considering he's a git in class, but he does."

"It's not that, Harry. I have always believed Professor Snape to be an honourable man. It's the fact you called him by his given name that startled me. Did he give you permission, Harry?"

"Yes, he did. Why?" Harry couldn't see what the big deal was.

"Don't you ever read anything I give you?"

"Sometimes. Why?"

"If you had read the book I gave you on wizarding traditions…"

"I did!" Harry interjected.

"If you had read it properly, then you would know that in the wizarding world it is quite a honour to be given permission to call someone by their given name, especially in the older more traditional families."

"I didn't realise, but I didn't ask to. He offered." Harry was a little taken aback by that. He hadn't realised what a gift Severus had given him. He thought it was just a common courtesy like it was in the muggle world.

"Didn't it even occur to you that the Professors all call us Mister and Miss when in muggle schools, teachers call us by our first names?"

"No, not once. But now that you mention it…" He trailed off realising that Hermione was right, again.

"Enough about that, Harry. Now tell me what happened to you this time?"

It was time for Harry to tell his story again except this time he added the edited highlight of his stay at Snape manor and the Weasley interrogation. While he told his story, they ate a good portion of the food Lula had bought out for them.

"I'm sorry, Harry, for blaming you."

"It's okay Mione. You had plenty of reason to believe I was at fault, it is usually something stupid that I have done."

"Still, Harry, I shouldn't have gone off like that."

"Yeh, but it gave Severus a good laugh and you were probably the first Gryffindor ever to ever get points from him! So, no harm was done."

They both giggled at that. They continued chatting for a couple of hours in the afternoon sun about frivolous topics that teenagers would discuss: homework, family and friends. Hermione was impressed that Harry had completed all his homework so early in the summer. She was going to so tell Ron off for not having done his.

"Speaking of Ron, when are you going to the Burrow?" Harry asked, feeling as if he was missing out on the last opportunity to act as a kid one more time.

"In three days time, I am looking forward to it."

"Are you going to tell Ron how you feel about him?"

"Well, it's about time! And I told him the same thing!"

"No, you didn't! Harry! I can't believe you said anything!"

"Well, I was getting tired of watching you two dance around the issue. It's been like this since our fourth year. You guys belong together; you're crazy about each other. So, if I have to interfere a little to set things in motion, then I will. It's my duty as you're both my best friends. So there!" He just grinned at her. She was very sweet when she blushed like that, but he could see the spark in her eyes that showed she was not angry.

"That's fine, Harry, but if you are going to interfere in my love life then I am going to interfere in yours. I'm sure I can find a nice witch for you!"

Harry started to feel a little awkward. He didn't like the way this conversation was going. He needed to think quickly, say something that would steer her in a new direction. Moreover, he definitely did not like the way she was looking at him. It was nearly calculating.

"Or maybe a nice wizard would be a better option, hmmm, Harry?"

Harry froze and paled.

"It's alright, Harry. It's not a problem."

"How?" He still could not look her in the eye.

"Harry, look at me." He lifted his head and looked at her. He was afraid he would see hatred and revulsion in her face but all he saw was a kind smile.

"Harry, it doesn't take a genius to work it out, just a good friend who has spent a lot of time with you. There has been no one since Cho and I know you have had quite a few offers. When you told me there was very little chemistry between you and her I just guessed. You have grown up to be a good-looking guy, Harry. You should have had a ton of girlfriends by now. Your personal preferences are just that Harry. Personal."

"You don't hate me and think I'm a freak?"

"Harry! I could never hate you! You are my best friend; being gay does not make you a freak, Harry. It just means you have different tastes."

Harry smiled at her. He felt so relieved that she had taken it so well. He really didn't want to lose her on top of everything else that was currently happening in his life.

"Do you think Ron will be ok with it?"

"Of course, Harry. He is also your best friend. He might freak a little, but that's just Ron for you. He will be fine, I promise."

"Thanks, Mione."

"So now I have the task of finding you a nice young man." She was wearing a slightly evil grin, "Did I ever show you a picture of my cousin, Simon? He is 21, in management, and simply gorgeous. Tall, dark and very handsome!"

"Mione, calm down! I don't think I'm quite ready for that, and isn't he a muggle?"

"Yes, but he knows about me. We are very close. He is currently single and he's a real good catch. Just think about it, Harry."

"Okay. I'll think about it but I don't think now is a good time. Just look at me!"

"Oh, all right, Harry! But as soon as you're back to normal, I'm not going to let up until you are actively dating!"

"Fine, Mione. How about I give you the grand tour? As I said, you're going to flip when you see the library. Oh, and my room is so beautiful!"

"Sure, that sounds lovely, but just one thing. Harry, why does Professor Snape have so many kneazles around the garden? He never struck me as the cat type." Harry wondered when she would ask, being such a fan of the breed.

"They're not his, really. They're strays. I guess the elves feed them and look after them. Severus said he's grown quite used to having them around the estate, so he let's them stay." He had found out that information one evening while chatting with the man while in the library.

"Really? I never saw Professor Snape as such a sweet kind person before. Maybe I should change my opinion of him."

"Just promise me one thing, never say that to his face. I don't think he would like to be called sweet." Harry couldn't help but laugh at the image that bought to his mind. No, he could not imagine Severus would like being called sweet.

So off they went exploring. Harry took Hermione down to the pond and back into the house. They explored all of the wings, leaving Severus' private areas alone. Hermione loved his bedroom and was totally in awe of the ballroom. It was pure decadence, lavishly done out in golds and purples with a stage area set up for a live band. Many instruments were present: a grand piano, a harp and a full wind and string section. There were marble statues all around the room and a beautiful wooden dance floor, which they took a spin on.

When dinnertime came around they headed to the dinning room. Harry was a little surprised to find Severus sitting down going over some papers, "Severus."

"Mister Potter, Miss Granger, I trust you have managed to stay out of trouble and managed not to break anything."

"No, Professor. I have managed to keep Harry in check."

"Good!"

"Hey! I am in the room, you know," he grumbled as he took his seat.

"Yes, we are aware. You are a little hard to miss, Harry."

"You know when we get back to school you will miss me. Who are you going to tease all the time?"

"Why you, Harry. I will just put you in detention. I have never needed much of an excuse before."

"That's abuse of power!" He couldn't help the smile tugging at his lips and he didn't miss Severus' smirk, either.

"Ah, but I better make good use of it now as I only have you in my clutches for one more year, Mister Potter. Then you are free of me forever."

Harry suddenly felt a little sad at hearing that. One of the few constants in his life was going to be taken away from him. It was in that moment that Harry realised he didn't want to let this man leave his life. He always thought he would be there forever. Severus didn't see the flash of sadness cross Harry's face, but Hermione had been watching the whole exchange.

He quickly composed himself, "But if this whole thing with the Dark Lord drags on, you won't be free of me quite so quickly."

Severus rolled his eyes, "God forbid me some peace from you," but he did have a small smile on his lips that assured Harry he was only joking. This made him feel a little better. Hermione was in a little shock from seeing her dower Professor smile albeit it a small smile.

Dinner passed without any problems, the three of them talked politely. Soon it was time for Hermione to go home. Harry gave her a big hug and told her he loved her and that he would see her in September. Severus would be escorting her to the point outside of the wards that the portkey would activate from.

"Thank you for allowing me to come and visit Harry, Professor."

"You are welcome, Miss Granger."

"You have a beautiful home and it was an honour to be able to see it."

"Thank you. I believe that the portkey will activate shortly. Goodnight, Miss Granger."

"Goodnight, Professor" and then she was gone.

Severus was tired. It had been a long and fruitless day in his lab. He had not gotten any further with the antidote and he was starting to have real doubts as to whether he ever would. As he re-entered his home, he saw the boy waiting for him. This he did not need right now. What he wanted was a stiff drink and a good book to wind down with.

"I just wanted to thank you again, Severus, for allowing Hermione to come and visit."

"It is the least I could do. I guess it could get a little tedious around here, it is not a house designed to keep teenagers entertained. I am afraid you will have to keep yourself entertained for the next few weeks until we return to Hogwarts, though."

"That won't be a problem, Severus. Believe it or not, this has been the best summer I have ever had!" He smiled at him.

Severus was a little surprised to hear that. He thought the boy would have been going out of his mind with boredom. He was starting to feel a little uncomfortable under that intense stare and he made his excuses and retreated to the library.

It was about an hour later that Severus heard quiet crying coming from the next room. He put down his book and drink and went to investigate. He guessed it must be Potter for it was the wrong tone to be a house elf and, as far as he knew, his elves had no reason to cry. But then again, neither did Potter, as far as he knew. He entered the room silently and walked over to the big old leather sofa that faced the fireplace, which had a fire roaring in it. He looked down on it and, sure enough, there was Potter curled up in an impossibly small position crying his heart out. Severus sighed internally, he hated doing the whole comforting thing. He occasionally had to do it with the odd first year that got very homesick but in general the Slytherins never publicly acknowledged such emotions, which he was thankful for. But he could do it if he had to, and it looked like now he was going to have to. He walked around to the front of the sofa and gently sat down next to the boy, placing a hand on his lower back.

"Harry, what's wrong?"

He saw and felt the boy tense up, "Harry?"

"Sorry, Sev…Severus. I'll just leave. I didn't mean to interrupt you, it's not like I haven't done so enough already," and he doubled up in heart wrenching sobs.

Severus was concerned about what could have happened in the last hour to make the boy so upset. Even his heart was melting at seeing Potter so distressed and he gingerly wrapped his arms around the boy, one around his waist and the other around his shoulders, and he pulled him into an embrace. Potter grabbed onto the lapels of his shirt for dear life and cried his heart out.

An undetermined amount of time later, Severus decided to chance it again and try to find out what had set the boy off. "Harry, whatever is the matter?"

"Maybe you should ask what's right. It's a shorter list," came the sad reply.

"Harry, surely nothing can be that bad. Your current situation, while it may be stumping me a little now, will not elude me forever. I will find the cure."

"See! Again I'm causing trouble! I didn't mean to, I promise. Especially not for you, trouble just follows me around!"

Severus laughed a little at that. He didn't reckon that Potter had ever said a truer thing. Trouble did follow the boy around. "Harry, you are causing me no trouble. It's been a unexpected pleasure having you here."

"Honestly?"

"Have you ever known me to lie?"

"You're a spy, it's what you do."

He rolled his eyes, "To you, Harry, to you! I may fail to mention certain things but I have never lied to you."

"No, I guess not."

"Are you ready to tell me what has got you so upset?"

"Everything. Life, the Dark Lord, school, Ron and Hermione oh, and life!"

"That's quite a list, but what have your friends done to upset you?"

"They haven't done anything, it's me. They are really in love with each other, they just won't admit it to each other. It makes me sad that they are wasting time. With the darkness that is rising they might lose even more time. They could lose their chance if they are not careful." Severus thought that was a little melodramatic to get this upset. Surely there had to be more, considering the tears had not dried up yet and he was still clinging onto him for dear life.

"And old Voldie is just a constant headache. You know the prophecy, right? Well it's my job to kill the bastard. That's it! Just kill him in cold blood. I know he deserves it, I know he's evil and it would free so many people, most of all you. However, I don't know how to do it. He survived the killing curse before. What's to say he won't do it again? Then we would all just lay low until he gets another body and comes back!" He could tell the laugh the boy was forcing out was hollow and empty. It made him shiver a little. He didn't think he was capable of such emptiness. He was also touched that the boy wanted to free him from the Dark Lord's Servitude, but he would not allow himself to be added to the boy's list of duties.

"Harry, do not worry about me. I can take care of myself; you have enough to deal with without trying to free me from something that is entirely my fault. I will not add to your burdens." The boy looked up to him but still did not move himself from the embrace.

"You don't add to my problems, Severus. I want to do it for you, to thank you for everything." Severus sat transfixed and trapped in his gaze, unable to move. He saw Harry slowly raise one of his hands to his face. The hand cupped, then stroked his cheek. It was such a gentle touch from such a soft hand. It had been such a long time since Severus had felt a touch of this kind. He wanted desperately to lean into it and capture the lips that were barely six inches from his own, to partake and to share in a physical touch that he had almost forgotten because it had been too long. It would be so easy to give into his body's demands, to feel truly alive again, even if it was only for one night. If the young man on his lap was really 27 years old, he would have been sorely tempted. His mind had to remind his body that this was not a young man of 27 years who could handle such a thing, but a boy of 17 who would want emotional attachments that Severus could not offer him, not ever. Also, this boy was a student, his student, placed in his care and protection and it would be unfair and wrong to take advantage when he was so obviously upset.

"Harry, I wish I knew how to make you feel better about yourself, but this is not the way. Trust me when I tell you that."

He saw him pull away from him, and go to leave when he noticed a small scratch on the back of his neck. He reached out to stop the boy from leaving.

"You don't have to try and make me feel better, Severus. I got the message loud and clear. You think I'm abnormal and strange and a freak like the rest of them does. Everybody expects me to save them. Well, I will. I'll fulfill my destiny and I'll no doubt die when I do it…"

Severus rolled his eyes, "Put a sock in it, Mister Potter. Tell me, have you been in the garden this evening?"

"Yes. Why?"

"You have been stung by a Glumbumble. That is what is causing this sudden onslaught of melancholy, but it is easily fixed. Follow me." Severus got up, grabbed the boy by his wrist and dragged him to his lab.

Harry doubted he had been stung by anything, especially by anything with such a dumb name. Glumbumble! He tutted at that, his world was crashing down around him in waves of sadness and Severus was dragging him to his lab. He had wanted to stay in Severus' embrace, it had been so warm and comfortable there and the man's scent of cinnamon and vanilla was intoxicating. He had felt the man's magic and power tingling against his skin. He had wanted to kiss him, he was so close to doing it but then Severus had put a stop to it before anything could happen. That bought about a new wave of tears, he couldn't stop them. The sadness was all consuming, he was wallowing in it, drowning even, but he didn't care, not any more. What was there left to care about any more anyway?

They entered the lab and Severus pushed Potter into one of the seats and he set about making the cure for him. It was not a difficult potion to brew, it would only take about 30 minutes to make. Until it was made, he would just have to leave the boy to cry. He felt a little mean doing so but what other choice did he have?

Harry sat down where he was told and pretty much surrendered to his depression. Some time later, Severus was stood in front of him holding out a glass to him.

"Drink, it will make you feel better," his voice was low and gentle. Harry thought he could drown in that voice, it was so rich and sensual sounding, even when it was throwing insults at him. He was wearing the brown suede trousers, again, that made him look so sexy. Harry truly thought Severus was beautiful at that moment. All he could think was what would such a beautiful man want with a scrawny git like him. That bought on another wave of tears. He probably thinks I'm nothing but a cry-baby sitting here crying my eyes out over nothing. Shit, he didn't even know if Severus was gay. He saw Severus get down on one knee next to the chair and push the glass into his hand.

"Harry, trust me. Drink it, it will make you feel better." How could Harry refuse this man anything when he was trying his hardest to be very gentle with him even though it was not in his nature to be gentle? He just nodded and drank the liquid down in one gulp.

After a minute of feeling a bit woozy, his first thought was it tasted badly, his second one was "oh, shit!" and he blushed deeply. He could see Severus smirking at him.

"I see you have your equilibrium back Mister Potter."

"Oh God! I am so embarrassed right now. Is there a spell to make the floor open up and swallow you? Because if there is, can you do it for me?" Harry put his face in his hands and bent over double and mumbled, "Severus, I'm so sorry! Can you ever forgive me?"

"Consider it forgiven, Harry. You were not in your right mind, shall we say?"

Harry looked up at the older man, some of the red receding from his cheeks. He could see Severus was in a good mood and was not angry with him, if anything he looked amused.

"Thank you, Severus. Again"

"I must admit, having you around is definitely making my summer more interesting and definitely more entertaining!"

Harry laughed at that, it was only a week ago that Severus had not even wanted him in his house; now things seemed to be going relatively well. He was glad, even if it was at his expense a bit.

"Now if you don't mind, Harry. I'm off to bed. It has been a long and, quite frankly, an odd day."

"Good idea! Thank you and goodnight, Severus."

"You welcome. Goodnight, Harry."

Harry smiled at him and left the lab feeling a bit stupid. He also agreed that it had been a long and odd day and he definitely needed a good long sleep.

Next Chapter: The Glamourie is cast, school starts up again, and Harry admits all to Ron.

A/N: I hope you liked this chapter it was a bit of a filler and we will get back to more of the main storyline in the next chapter.

Thanks go out to:

Stayblue – Thank you glad you enjoyed it, and hope you liked this chapter.

Necromant – Wow thanks, I don't think I have ever made anyone speechless before – and its next chapter the glamourie is cast, so not long to find out grins

bramblerose-proudfoot – Thank you, hope you liked this chapter.

Penny – Thanks and yes Harry gets many more chances to 'smell' Sev in future chapters.

Lady S - Thanks, and they will get closer. In just a couple of chapters they will kiss, I promise.

MedNar – You are right, it will be feline. I'm glad you like fluff as more will be coming soon.

LeeLeePotter - You're more then welcome, as your story gave me plenty of good images before fanfiction pulled it – boooo, but thank god you found else where to post it. Glad you liked the chapter.

Pam Briggs - Thank you, you will find out about the glamourie next chapter.

Athenakitty – Thanks again. Hope you liked this one.

Fuzzy-Bumpkins – Glad you are enjoying it, I hope you liked this one.

Alternativelyspliced – I know what you mean. Hope this ties you over grins.

Calani – Thanks again. Here was some more.

Prophetess Of Hearts – Thanks and I will do, as there is nothing more frustrating then half finished stories.

Mikee – Thank you, and yes there will be more banter between the teachers, I think there all fun characters to play with.

Moni - Thank you, hope you liked this chapter.

Emmapotty – Thank you and I'm glad you like the pace.

L-sama – Thank you and Yeh fluffiness rules!

kizna2 – Thank you – mmmm chocolate ice cream. You found out Hermione's reaction this chapter; next chapter will be Ron's reaction.

Siderius Cimmerii – Thank you and here you go.

Venure – Thank you, I know what you mean but book Snape does make a bit of a come back.

RilieDeAnnPotter5569 – Thank you that's very nice of you to say.

And to everybody else thank you.