TITLE: Sugar and Spice

AUTHOR: Blessing of Earendil

PAIRING: HP/SS - (Slash/Het)

ARCHIVE: Sure. Drop me a link in your review.

RATING: R -- NC-17 version will be posted elsewhere. I'll let you know when and where on my profile page when I make my decision.

WARNINGS: Language, Sexual Situations, Out of Character Mushiness, Spoilers Through Book Five

SUMMARY: A potions accident turns Harry into a woman with no hope for a cure. How will his/her lover Severus react?

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.

Sugar and Spice

It was the second potions class of his final year and all Harry could do was sigh as he watched his lover of eight months writing today's lesson on the board. Damn, Severus Snape was hot! It was all the seventh year Gryffindor could do not to drool.

The rest of his year mates watched as Harry's attention became fixated on Snape's ass. The Gryffindors made gagging motions while a majority of the Slytherins rolled their eyes. Neville, who for some ungodly reason passed his O.W.L's and CHOSE to keep taking potions, blushed scarlet and averted his eyes.

Of course that may be more due to the fact that he had walked in on the couple shagging in a closet last week. It wasn't as if the entire wizarding world hadn't already known about them. Oh no, that fiasco could be pinned on Rita Skeeter's quest for revenge before she broke down and registered her animagus form.

It seemed the nosy beetle had grown tired of being at the beck and call of Hermione Granger and chose the less painful alternative.

Harry's ears were still ringing from all the howlers.

But he didn't care. He had almost everything he'd ever dreamt of having and Harry wasn't about to complain. The man he loved more than life actually returned his feelings. Since it went against no school rules they had no headache to contend with in that regard. Skeeter enabled them to have a relationship without needing to keep it secret. Once the general feeling of indignation wore off, everyone pretty much left them alone.

And best of all, Voldemort was dead. The insane bastard had tried the portkey method once again at the end of last year, this time placing the spell on a golden snitch and having Malfoy Junior sneak it in the game box. No one expected a thing when the final Gryffindor/Slytherin match of the season commenced.

In retrospect, it explains why Malfoy didn't make his usual underhanded attempts at knocking Harry off his broom in order to get to the snitch first.

Flashback

"And the score is 210 to 190 in favor of Slytherin with no sign of the snitch yet." Lee Jordan's successor turned out to be an unbiased Hufflepuff witch named Jenny O'Brien. She was as fair to Slytherin as she was to her own house and wouldn't say a mean thing to anyone to save her life.

All in all, the matches weren't nearly as interesting anymore.

Harry did another sweep of the field looking for the elusive snitch. For the first time in his life he was playing quidditch without needing his glasses and he loved it. Hermione, bless her, had found an eyesight correction potion that would actually work on him.

Usually the potions were not used because if you made the tiniest mistake in brewing you could be blinded for life. They were extremely difficult to make, had expensive ingredients, and there were so many different kinds that it took a lot of research just to find the right one for your particular ailment.

Luckily for him his best female friend LOVED to research, his parents and godfather had been wealthy, and he was screwing a world-renowned Potions Master.

Speaking of which, he blew a kiss to the aforementioned and laughed as Sev did nothing more than raise an eyebrow. He may be as loveable and cuddly as a kitten in the bedroom, but Severus Snape was as cold as ever in public.

Then he saw it. Without any real thought to where Draco was, Harry flattened himself against his broom and took off toward the Slytherin side of the field. Their keeper was screaming at the other seeker to 'get your ass in gear, Malfoy!'.

Harry swerved to the right just in time to avoid having his skull cracked open by a bludger and vaguely noted that the near-miss had allowed Malfoy to catch up. He was momentarily confused as to why Draco wasn't using force to try and throw him off the trail, but just then the snitch surged upwards and Harry made a desperate grab.

He felt the satisfying flutter of wings beating against his hand seconds before he had a more alarming sensation of being hooked around his navel and jerked forwards.

Harry's last thought before he found himself deposited at Voldemort's feet in the middle of a Death Eeater gathering was, 'Oh shit... Severus is going to freak!'

End Flashback

And freak he did. For the entire three days Harry was missing. The potions teacher screamed and raged. He destroyed everything in Albus' office that Harry had missed at the end of the boy's fifth year.

Harry was found broken and bloody at the edge of the forest on the fourth day. In his hand was the blood-stained sword of Godric Gryffindor. He had instinctively called the legendary blade to him with an advanced summoning spell cast with the wand he'd stolen from Wormtail.

No one was more surprised than Harry that the spell, uttered in pure desperation, had worked.

Severus, when faced with the sight of the tortured man lying so pale against the white sheets, did the one thing he never did in private -- much less public.

He sat next to his young lover's bedside and cried. When Poppy informed him that the love of his life was only unconscious and would recover, he sobbed that much harder.

Albus made sure he and Poppy were the only ones who bore witness to the relieved tears cascading down the Potions Master's cheeks.

Harry was suddenly brought from his memories by the sound of a book hitting Severus' desk with a loud 'THWACK'. He was embarrassed to note that the professor had finished at the blackboard, but Harry had not copied the first thing down.

He looked around hoping he wasn't alone in his transgression, but the rest of the class was shuffling off toward the supply cabinets at the back of the room.

Unfortunately -- not only did he have to partner with Neville today, their cauldron was set up near the supplies where the board wouldn't be visible. That meant unless he wanted to confess to not taking notes and lose his house at least twenty points, he had to rely on Neville's scrawls to get them both through.

Well, shit.

It was too bad this potion was for a grade... he didn't stand a chance of being able to ask Hermione for help if they didn't understand something. Harry covertly cast a flame-proofing spell on his and Neville's robes before they began.

No use in being completely stupid.

Forty-five minutes had passed and Harry was feeling more confident. They had followed Neville's notes to the letter and there hadn't been one single mishap. Their potion was the exact shade of crimson it was supposed to be... and even the right consistency!

When the brewing process came to a close, both men had smiles on their faces as they turned the heat off.

Snape waited until everyone had finished before speaking. "What you have either brewed or attempted is a complex elixir which renders a woman unable to bear children until she takes the counter potion.

"Make note that not only is it illegal to give this to any woman without her express permission, it is unlawful to pass on this elixir to any girl under the age of seventeen - period. Should you be tempted to put this in your girlfriend's pumpkin juice at Lunch, know that you may soon be sharing a cell with the remaining Malfoy family in Azkaban." He paused long enough to sneer disdainfully. "A fate worse than death, I assure you. I'm surprised the dementors haven't fled in horror by now."

Certain he got his point across, Severus continued. "When given to a man, however, all that happens is their hair turns purple." He ignored the sudden snickering and began looking at everyone's mixtures. "Can anyone tell me why this is, and which ingredient is responsible for the change of color?"

Hermione's hand, as usual, was the only one raised. Instead of a scathing remark as he was prone to during his days as a spy, Severus nodded toward the girl. "Yes, Ms. Granger?"

The muggleborn smiled as she always did when called upon to show off her knowledge. "The potion is designed specifically to sterilize all eggs produced and contained within the female reproductive organs until the counter agent is ingested.

"The testosterone in males cancels out both the veela tears and the fairy blood, leaving the most potent ingredient of the potion to be the dragon scales, which we know that when mixed with crushed unicorn horn causes a reaction in which all the hair on the body turns purple. The effects last for approximately three hours."

Severus nodded curtly. "That is correct, five points to Gryffindor. For obvious reasons, I will only be calling on the men to test these potions. If you are female, you may use this time to bottle and label your samples for grading."

It was odd seeing Ron with purple hair, but not as funny as Zabini with solid blue locks. By the time Severus got to Harry, everyone was laughing at the outrageous results... especially those that were brewed incorrectly.

The professor raised an eyebrow at the seemingly perfectly brewed potion, and Harry smiled before holding up his vial. For once in his life he wasn't scared to test the results of an elixir made with Neville Longbottom.

"Bottoms up, sir." Harry downed the liquid in one shot and waited for the laughter to start up again.

It never came.

What he was not expecting, however was the intense burning sensation that started at this throat and worked its way down to the tips of his toes. The class watched in horror as the empty glass vial fell from his suddenly lax fingers before Harry fell to the ground and began screaming in agony.

Determined that the potion he'd ingested was in fact acid and was slowly eating away at his insides, Potter curled up into a fetal position and continued shrieking. He couldn't comprehend the frantic words spoken by his lover, and didn't even notice being picked up into strong arms and rushed to the infirmary.

Once Severus left Harry in Poppy's care, he sprinted back to the dungeons to test the liquid his lover drank. 'Damned Longbottom... I know this is somehow his fault!'

Two hours spent over a cauldron with a copy of Longbottom's notes in one hand, and the professor finally found the problem.

The students had added gremlin blood instead of griffin blood, which would completely alter the chemicals of Harry's body. 'Where the hell would they get gremlin blood?' The ingredient was somewhat rare and was not used in any of the potions the seventh years were scheduled to make. Knowing Harry had gotten his supplies from Severus for the year, Longbottom must have read his list wrong and purchased the wrong type of blood. Taking into account the very nature of the other components used, Snape came to an extremely shocking conclusion.

Harry was slowly transforming into a female. The two had unwittingly created 'Fae Transformis', which had been outlawed two hundred years prior due to it being irreversible with no hope of counter agent. Any attempt to get his lover back to normal would end his life.

Suddenly too shaky to stand any longer, Severus sat down in the closest chair and placed his head in his hands. 'Why in the world must everything happen to Harry?'

Entering the infirmary once again, Severus was faced with the sight of a normally stoic Poppy Pomfrey weeping. She was placing a cold compress against her patient's forehead.

Harry looked to be in extreme pain. He was moaning continuously and thrashing about. His skin was flushed red with fever, but Poppy had refused to give him any potions until Snape had found out what was causing the painful reaction.

The professor reached into his robes and pulled out a strong muscle relaxant/painkiller. He gently cradled the nearly unconscious man in one arm while coaxing him to drink the elixir. As Harry's eyes fluttered open, Severus reached down to kiss the sweaty forehead.

"Just rest, love. You'll feel better in the morning."

"Don't leave me..."

Severus had to strain to hear the mumbled plea. He softly kissed his lover's lips before reassuring him. "I'm not going anywhere, Harry. Sleep."

Harry gasped and moaned a few times, but eventually the potion forced him into slumber.

Severus cast a silencing spell around Harry so he wouldn't wake up from Poppy's inquiries. He knew the woman wanted answers, and he would be damned if he was going to leave his lover's side after promising to remain.

Upon closer inspection, he could see the transformation beginning to show. Harry's face was less angular and his hands were thinner and more delicate.

"Well, was that the cure?"

The Potions Master glanced up from his perusal of the soon-to-be woman and shook his head. "There is no cure. He and Longbottom have somehow managed to brew 'Fae Transformis'."

At her blank look, he elaborated. "It's a sex change potion named for its maker Fedona Fae who's lifelong desire was to become a woman permanently. Harry is turning into a female right before our eyes and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it without killing him."

Poppy sank down onto the nearest bed and paled considerably. "Well that would certainly account for the agony... his body rearranging itself. Adding new parts, losing others, not to mention his entire muscular system...."

Severus thought about the woman's words. 'Losing others'. He swallowed a hysterical laugh when the only reply he could think of was, 'Thank Merlin I'm bisexual.'

"How long will he be in pain?"

He took a deep breath and expelled it slowly. "According to my research, the process generally takes around twelve hours to complete. He should be fully transformed by morning. As far as the pain goes, I'm sure he'll be sore for weeks. That's a lot to do to the human body in one day."

"Well, what did you give him?"

"Something to take the edge off."

"Alcohol?"

Severus barked a laugh. "No, I'm saving all that for when Harry discovers what's happening to him. I gave him the Dumis Elixir. He'll need to take another dose in four hours."

She nodded and left to tell Albus. Severus settled down into the nearby chair and held Harry's hand, subconsciously stroking his thumb across the back.

Early the next morning Harry woke to find the pain had diminished greatly. He fitfully moved his head in a weak attempt to escape the steady throbbing of his body, particularly around his chest, stomach, and groin. When that did nothing to stop the soreness, he sighed softly and opened his eyes.

Instinctively he knew it was morning despite the lack of windows in the small room he was in. Severus was sound asleep with his head resting on the pillow beside his. His hand appeared to be caught in between the professor's stubbly cheek and the bed.

Harry smiled wearily. He really didn't want to chance waking his lover up, but he really needed to use the loo. After much manipulation, the young man finally regained use of his limb and stumbled off in the direction of the bathroom. Goodness knows he'd been a patient in this wing long enough to have the floor plan committed to memory.

Upon reaching his destination, Harry breathed a sigh of relief and leaned against the door for a moment to rest. After making sure the dizziness was gone, he stepped up to the toilet and lowered his pajama bottoms.

And screamed... loudly.

Severus shot up straight at the undeniably female scream coming from the restroom across the hall. The sight that greeted him would forever be burned into his memory.

Harry Potter was frantically sobbing and was alternating between staring at him, herself in the mirror, and looking down the loose pajama shirt at her breasts.

It took Severus the better part of the morning to calm Harry down. Especially when she learned her situation was permanent. Finally he was able to coax her into lying back down with patience and soothing words. Of course, the double dose of calming draught hadn't hurt.

When Sev left the wing in order to grab a shower back in his and Harry's rooms, the young woman was sound asleep. He returned to find her sitting up in bed with her arms clasped around her knees and rocking back and forth. Tears were streaming down her beautiful face and the sheer desolation reflected in the emerald orbs made the formidable man's heart contract in sudden pain.

"Harry, baby... did something else happen or are you still reacting to the transformation?" He sat on the bed beside his lover and pulled the trembling figure into his arms.

Voice muffled from her face being pressed against his chest, Harry responded, "You won't want me anymore."

Shocked beyond belief at what he'd just heard, Severus immediately pushed the young woman back a little so he could see her eyes. "Where in the world would you ever get an idea like that?!"

Instead of reassuring her, the words seemed to frustrate her more. "Oh Severus, I may not be one of the brightest people you know but I'm not stupid. You're obviously gay... and you won't ever be comfortable with this body!" She gestured to herself before succumbing to more tears.

She didn't react when a strong hand lifted her chin. Gentle fingers lovingly brushed the tears from her face. "Listen to me, Harry. I'm not gay." Harry began to respond but suddenly found Severus' index finger pressed against her lips. "I'm bisexual, and am very attracted to your form. As I always will be. I love you... all of you, no matter what package you're wrapped in. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded and wrapped her arms around Sev's neck. He decided to reinforce the lesson by capturing her lips in a tender kiss.

Kissing Harry as a girl was an incredible experience. Her lips were more soft and caressing. In fact, everything was softer. Severus had to stop himself from reaching out and touching his lover's new breasts in wonder. However, he knew instinctively that until Harry grew more confident with her body she would close herself off to any sexual advances.

He wouldn't be able to stand seeing her upset by his actions, so he settled for the kiss.

Harry broke the kiss slowly and pulled back to gaze into his eyes, seemingly looking for any sign of rejection. Severus responded by kissing her once again and telling her how beautiful she was.

It was true. Her hair was still short and unruly, but her eyes were more rounded with longer eyelashes. The nose seemed untouched, and her lips were fuller - even more enticing than before. Her breasts were not large but they were definitely noticeable, making her appear even thinner than she was before. He could clearly see her nipples pushing against the cottony fabric and it caused the blood to rush toward his groin.

Severus shifted covertly to hide the reaction as he finished his examination. There was a conspicuous lack of bulge where her crotch was pressed up against his thigh as he held her. She was the same height as before, which had always been average for a female. Her legs were long and her knees were no longer knobby.

Her feet were much smaller and delicately shaped. Severus couldn't wait to explore her new body fully. When he noticed the blush tinging her face, he stopped gazing at her form in order to keep her from embarrassment.

"Poppy says I'll be able to bring you back home this evening. There's really nothing she can do for you here that I won't be able to."

Harry nodded. "Does everyone know what happened?"

"Yes. The headmaster told the school during dinner last night. You have quite a collection of candy, cards, and flowers from your friends. They were left out in the open ward, however. This room isn't large enough to hold them all."

They were silent for a while. "Weasley and Granger practically camped out in the corridor outside the hospital wing all night. Albus finally had to threaten to remove points if they didn't go back to their dorm."

Harry looked shocked. "Headmaster Dumbledore was going to take points?!"

Severus chuckled quietly. "Well, your friends were quite stubborn. Plus we felt that you wouldn't be comfortable with them around while you were getting used to your new look."

"Yeah... I suppose you're right." Harry appeared sad.

Sev raised an eyebrow. "Baby, do you want to see your friends? I can go retrieve them if you'd like."

Harry shook his head. "No, I just... it's a lot to take in. I imagine they're having a tough time as well."

The girl closed her eyes as her lover ran his hands through her silky locks. "I know love, but we'll make it through this. I love you."

For the first time since before the entire accident, Harry smiled. Severus felt his breath catch at the way her whole face lit up in beauty. Potter had always been beautiful, but now she was breathtaking.

"I love you too, Severus."

Hours later found Harry being carried through the deserted halls of Hogwarts. Severus had swept her up into his arms when the general soreness of her body kept her movements stiff and unsteady.

At first embarrassed by her lover's actions, Harry put her bashfulness aside and found herself snuggling into Sev's chest. Luckily all the students had already filed into the Great Hall for dinner. The only soul they ran into on the way to their chambers was Professor Flitwick, but he just nodded to the couple before continuing on his way.

Before long, Severus was saying the password to their rooms and settling his love beneath the covers of their bed. He smiled sadly when he noticed that Harry had fallen asleep somewhere on the way. He leaned down to place a gentle kiss on the slightly parted lips.

"Sleep well, Harry. I love you." He then left the room to catch up on the work he'd missed during the past few days. Severus never saw the bright green eyes flutter open. Nor did he hear the whispered reply.

"I love you too Sev." A single crystalline tear fell from the eternally sad eyes. "More than you could ever know. Please don't leave me..." With that last conscious thought, Harry rolled over and clutched Sev's pillow to her chest.

Weeks passed and Harry slowly got used to her new body. It was rough at first due to the chemical changes, but soon she was able to control the mood swings.

Thanks to her former label as 'The Boy Who Lived', she was already used to being gawked at in public. The stares seemed to annoy Severus more because some of the boys were staring at her with more than curiosity.

Harry wasn't bothered by Sev's jealousy. She made sure he knew he was the only man she would ever want in her life in that fashion. Besides, she found herself needing constant reassurance that he wasn't going to change his mind and ditch her. Especially since they hadn't made love since before her change.

Severus was adamant that she not do anything sexual with him until she was positive she was ready. That didn't stop them from snuggling together in bed every night. Oddly enough this made Harry feel more complete in some ways. To be so loved that your partner puts your needs above their own is a remarkable feeling.

One day, after weeks of nagging, Harry let Hermione drag her to muggle London to shop for clothes. Granger had cleared the trip with the headmaster, and the two were to take a portkey from the gate to an isolated area near the shopping district. Of course they were assigned a chaperone, which happened to be Minerva McGonnagal.

Harry would have preferred to have Severus join the excursion, but Hermione insisted this be a 'girls' night out' - whatever the hell that meant. Sev was, however, springing for the trip and had given his girlfriend a large amount of muggle money.

Hermione had decided to shop for underwear first since it would be the most embarrassing for her friend. Harry had been making do with one of Lavender's old bras that Granger had brought her. She'd never thought she could make the new woman turn so many shades of red with just one gesture. It was entertaining in a sick and twisted sort of way.

"What about this one, Harry? The lace is dead sexy and the color is great for your skin tones, though I wouldn't wear a white shirt with it." Hermione held up a lacy scarlet bra with matching panties.

Harry kept glancing around, as if making sure no one was watching her. "Um, I guess it's fine. Throw it in the cart and let's go."

Minerva was smiling in a motherly fashion behind the two girls. "Now dear, you have to try on the bra so we can make sure it fits."

The subject of their attention promptly turned the color of the undergarments in Hermione's hands. She opened her mouth to protest, but the only sound she was able to make was a high pitched squeak.

Hermione picked up another pair of high cut panties... this pair was navy blue and made from the same lacy material. "Professor, how do we know what size panties to get? They won't let her try them on."

Much to the former boy's chagrin, McGonnagal transfigured a stray piece of string into a measuring tape and begin taking Harry's measurements. She called out numbers while her partner in crime scanned the sizing charts on the tags.

Six shops and eight bags later the three were ready to portkey back. Harry had a completely new wardrobe, which she appreciated despite her humiliation. She now had ample shoes, socks, slacks, shirts, skirts, and sweaters. There was also an abundance of underwear and nightclothes.

Harry had protested, saying it didn't matter what she slept in. To which Hermione replied, "Trust me, Harry. There's going to be some nights in which you'll want to look especially sexy for Severus."

When she pulled a dark green, lacy, see-through teddy off a nearby rack, Harry tried to escape. Fortunately, a blushing Minerva anticipated this action and grabbed the back of the young woman's shirt before she could get too far.

The teddy was now safely at the bottom of one of the bags along with a few other provocative garments. Harry might even decide to wear them one day for her lover... providing she could ever stop feeling like a cross-dresser.

When they stepped back into Hogwarts, Minerva summoned a house elf to take the purchases back to Snape's and Harry's quarters. Then she bade Granger farewell and motioned for the other girl to follow her to her office.

Upon arriving, the usually stern professor proceeded to give Harry 'The Talk'. She explained all about the menstrual cycle and what to expect each month. Of course she touched on pregnancy and what spells or potions the couple could use before intercourse to make sure nothing 'unexpected' happened.

Harry finally understood why exactly the third year girls disappeared with Professor McGonnagal one afternoon of the year.

By the time the meeting was over, Harry was close to hyperventilating. She most definitely did not have sex with Severus that night.

"What the hell is this?"

Severus jerked his head up from his grading to meet his mate's angry gaze. He studied the object in Harry's hand. "I believe that would be a towel, dear."

The girl's anger deepened with his sarcasm. "Okay then, tell me what this towel was doing on the floor of the bathroom when we have a perfectly good hamper sitting only three feet away?"

The older man was beginning to get peeved. "Harry, just say what you want to say and quit acting like a nag."

"I am NOT acting like a nag! I just want to understand what is so flipping difficult about taking one extra step to put your crummy towel where it goes."

"I really don't want to argue about something so asinine..." His eyes narrowed in anger as she cut him off.

"I mean, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that clean towels go in the cabinet - dirty towels go in the hamp..."

"Damn it Harry, that's enough!" Severus slammed his grade book down and stood up. His lover flinched at the movement, but the professor was too angry to care. "Let's get this straight right now!" He jabbed his finger towards her. "YOU are my girlfriend, NOT my wife. THAT is MY towel, These are MY rooms, and I'll put any goddamned thing that belongs to me wherever the hell I feel like it. Is that CLEAR?!"

He regretted his outburst as soon as he saw the hurt flash across Harry's beautiful face. The subject of their argument fell unnoticed to the floor due to suddenly numb fingers. Without a reply, Harry turned and slipped silently from the rooms.

Severus didn't follow.

Harry was emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. After her fight with Severus, she wandered around aimlessly and finally settled down at the top of the quidditch stands to cry. She normally would have gone flying to ease her mind. But ever since 'The Change' occurred, riding a broomstick felt awkward. It was extremely hard getting used to not having a penis. She wasn't even going to think about how weird it was to have to sit down to pee.

To make matters worse, Harry had awakened this morning with those pains in her abdomen. At first she thought she had a bladder infection, but to her utter mortification she realized the problem. She was menstruating. Which meant that soon she would have to deal with blood, various aches, and bloating.

Lovely.

She really hadn't meant to snap at Severus. She'd just had so much on her mind lately and it was so easy to take out her frustrations on her boyfriend.

No matter how many times she told herself the fight between them was normal, Harry kept remembering one particular thing he'd said.

'These are MY rooms.'

'Does he want me to leave?' Since last year she'd been living with Severus and it had always been 'Sev and Harry's rooms'. But what happened to Harry?

She sighed. 'I know what happened. He's a girl now... I may not be his wife but I've always been a major part of his life. Kind of a permanent fixture in our... his rooms.'

But now he seemed to resent her presence. 'I have been nagging him about little things lately... who could blame him for wanting me gone.'

Harry wrapped her arms around her legs and hid her face. She looked so small and alone. Severus was the first person she had ever let get really close to her.

Growing up with the Dursleys taught her that she didn't deserve the precious gift of love from anyone. Instead of hugs and kisses she received pain and humiliation. She'd had to deal with years of mental torture and physical abuse that had only recently come to a halt. Now she had Severus... the man who loved her. The first to ever do so unconditionally.

She felt sick. Harry honestly didn't think she would ever be strong enough to survive without the snarky potions master. And she loved him so much that if he truly did want her out of his life... she'd walk away.

'It would kill me inside, but I'd do anything for him.'

Severus felt like a heel. He knew his lover was having a lot of problems dealing with becoming a female. Add to that the fact that she's now trying to get used to a completely different set of hormones... well, it makes for an incredibly volatile mixture.

Severus sighed and left to find his distraught mate.

He finally located her in the Gryffindor section of the quidditch stadium. His heart clenched when he saw how miserable Harry really was.

"Harry." Severus spoke softly so as not to startle her. She immediately jerked her head up, clearly not expecting anyone to find her here.

He kicked himself mentally for being the cause of the tears streaming down her cheeks. Harry immediately wiped her face dry with the sleeves of the navy turtleneck she was wearing before turning away from the man.

"Harry, I'm sorry for snapping at you like that." He sat down beside her and pulled her into his arms. She sobbed once more at the gesture. Severus just held her and rubbed her back while silently berating himself.

After a few minutes, Harry mumbled something into his chest that the man didn't catch. "What was that, love?"

The girl pulled back and dried her eyes once again. She looked everywhere but at Severus when she repeated her question. "I asked if you wanted me to leave your rooms." Snape was so shocked at the inquiry that he was unable to speak for a time. "I mean... I wouldn't blame you." She sniffled and stared into the clouds as if looking for answers in the heavens. "I know I've been really crabby lately and..." She went silent when her lover's index finger pressed against her lips.

When he was certain he'd caught her attention, Severus removed his hand. "Harry, if you leave me I fear I'll become one of those rare cases who dies of a broken heart." He turned her to face him. "No matter what happens in our lives, no matter how many fights we have, or how many stupid things I do and say... don't you ever think that any of it would make me stop loving you." He smiled sadly. "And for the record, they are most definitely our rooms. I was just angry and we both know how my brain tends to vanish in the wake of my ire."

She placed her arms around his neck and allowed him to hold her close. "I'm so sorry Sev."

"Shhh. I'm the one who's sorry. I know you're having a rough time with the changes. It's hard on all of us, but especially on you." He leaned in to kiss her.

What started out as chaste soon became more heated. Almost against his will, Severus found his hand moving to cup the softness of Harry's breast. When she didn't tense, he slowly began rubbing her nipple through the layers of cotton. Harry moaned and arched into the contact, her dark curls hanging past her shoulders as her head was thrown backwards. All in all, Severus decided she liked the feeling.

She moved her hand up to cover his and gazed into his eyes. "Bedroom. Now."

He nodded jerkily and stood up, pulling her along behind him. He was extremely grateful to be wearing robes, but even they weren't enough to disguise their flushed faces or anxious movements.

Ron and Hermione, who'd been sitting in the courtyard studying, looked at each other with knowing eyes before smirking and returning to their texts.

As soon as the portrait was closed, Harry was pressed against the wall and her mouth ravaged. Severus held her closer as her fingers clutched at his robes. He quickly shed the outer garment, barely letting go of the kiss.

Harry spared only a second to admire Severus in his long-sleeved white shirt and crisp black slacks before she moved in for the kill.

Severus moaned as his lover stroked his erection through his clothing. Tearing away from the succulent lips, he began kissing his way down to the base of her neck. She arched in pleasure as he came back up only to tease her ear with his tongue. "Mmmm... yes."

Laving at the delicate swirl and loving the reactions it was producing, Severus reached under her shirt to caress the silky skin there. Harry responded by stepping back and removing the turtleneck. The bra soon followed along with Sev's shirt.

Mindful of the delicate body below him, Severus supported himself on one elbow as he gazed into the slightly glazed green eyes of his mate. Harry couldn't stop her hand from reaching out and gently pushing the damp locks of her lover out of his eyes. It was an incredibly tender gesture, and one which felt strangely more intimate than their lovemaking from only a moment ago.

"I love you Severus."

Sev captured one more gentle kiss before settling down on the mattress beside Harry and pulling her close for a cuddle. "And I love you, Harry."

After the ritualistic cleaning spell, both were soon asleep in each other's arms with smiles on their faces.

Another month past and soon Christmas holidays were upon them. Ron and Hermione had both left to spend the season with their families. Harry was slightly saddened at their absence, but was more than thankful she would be in the company of her lover.

Since seventh years were allowed to go to Hogsmeade on any weekend they chose to, Harry had taken advantage of this to attempt to find the perfect gift for Sev. It took three weekends of seemingly endless searching before she found something for him. Ron and Hermione were simple to buy for since their gifts were impersonal.

She'd ended up getting Hermione a study planner that vibrated and emitted red smoke when any homework discretion was committed. She would love it. Ron would be receiving the latest Chudley Cannons poster complete with spells to keep the team members in motion.

But for Severus she found something hidden in the back room of an ancient-looking curiosity shop. The place had looked deserted until she caught a glimpse of a grizzled old man sitting bored behind the counter.

Amidst the pile of worthless trinkets she was able to find a remarkable amulet. It was bright silver and designed to depict two snakes intertwined. Harry had stared and stared at the image until recognition lit up her face. That was the same layout found deep within the Chamber of Secrets on the entrance doors to the main hall.

Eyes widening in shock, she had quickly purchased the item and went straight to the library to research her find. It turned out Slytherin himself had worn the talisman, as depicted on an old drawing in the book 'History of the Hogwarts Founders'. Performing a simple scan, she was able to recognize layers upon layers of protective charms. No one could claim old Salazar wasn't paranoid.

Christmas morning found the two lovers naked and wrapped up in each other's arms. Severus' eyes slowly fluttered open and he lazily stretched, trying not to wake his counterpart -- as if he could. He'd often teased her that she could sleep through the apocalypse if it occurred before eight in the morning.

Damn it was cold! He pulled the blankets up higher to cover his naked chest and contented himself with watching his girlfriend sleep. Sev had to admit that Harry was too cute when she was sleeping. Her hair, now that it had grown longer, actually stuck up more than it did before. The blue cotton blanket hid her body from him, but he had it memorized anyway.

Last night had been a total surprise as Harry had entered his study wearing nothing but a slinky green see-through nightie. Severus, who had been reading the last of the sixth-year essays, had felt all the blood rush from his brain and settle in his groin at the sight she presented. Harry couldn't help her strawberry blush as she timidly entered the room.

Severus had immediately erased all her self-consciousness by sweeping her up and stalking into the bedroom. The noises coming from the room would probably have awakened everyone in the castle had silencing charms not been used.

The subject of his thoughts began to stir, bringing him back to the present. Impossibly long lashes parted revealing the greenest eyes Severus had ever seen. He was graced by a sweet smile as Harry realized she was being watched.

"Good morning, sunshine." Severus pulled her closer and kissed her on the forehead as she yawned. Harry allowed the movement and snuggled closer to her love.

"Morning. Time is it?"

"Oh, around seven thirty. Merry Christmas."

Harry perked up and jumped out of bed. "Christmas! Merry Christmas... where's my robe? Damn these floors are cold, why don't we get carpeting in here?" She looked up from where she was hopping up and down trying to get her socks on. "What are you doing in bed? It's Christmas... time to open presents!" With that enthusiastic display, Harry left her bemused mate and rushed to the bathroom. Soon the sound of the shower cutting on could be heard from the next room, followed by off-key carols.

Severus chuckled and began getting ready for the day. If he played his cards right he'd be able to share the shower with the voluptuous brunette who was currently butchering 'Joy to the World'.

He smiled. Life was good.

"This one's from Ron and Hermione." She ignored his gobsmacked expression and placed the box on Sev's lap. "Well don't just sit there looking stupid... open it!" Both were sitting on the floor beneath the large Christmas tree in the corner of the sitting room. The twinkling multi-colored fairy lights cast a homey feeling throughout the area that enchanted the chamber's occupants. Soon they would have to leave to eat lunch in the Great Hall but for now they were satisfied to be alone in their quarters, letting the magic consume them.

The only response to Harry's teasing was an elegantly raised eyebrow before the potions professor ripped into the gaily decorated gift. "Ahh... the latest of Henry Hine's books on obscure potions." Sev smiled. "Remind me to thank your friends when they return. I'm afraid I didn't get them anything though."

Harry looked up from admiring his newest Weasley jumper. "Sure you did. And I'm sure Hermione is flipping over her new book on charms while Ron is likely to kiss you over the ton of Honeydukes chocolate he's consuming at this moment."

Severus laughed outright. "So you're buying gifts in my name now. I think we're officially a couple."

Harry took a sip of her glass of wine. "Looks like. So, you ready for your gift from me yet?"

"You mean I've been a good boy this year? Enough to warrant a gift?" He watched as his mate dug through the discarded wrapping paper, finally pulling out a small flat box. The present was wrapped lovingly in silver and blue.

She gazed seriously at him. "Well no, but you were pretty spectacular last night. That warrants something."

Smiling, he reached into his pocket and pulled a red velvet jeweler's box from the inside pocket of his robes and handed it to her. "You were absolutely sensational yourself. I don't recall screaming in pleasure so much in one night."

Harry squealed and attacked her boyfriend with kisses when the box opened to reveal a stunning diamond drop necklace. Sev immediately took it and fastened it behind her as she held up her hair. He took the opportunity to press a kiss to the base of her throat before she turned and captured his lips.

"Now yours."

He ignored her nervous countenance and opened the box. Gasping when the amulet was first revealed, he gently pulled it from its cotton nest and admired the intricate detail. When Harry proceeded to tell him of the history of his gift as well as the charms it held, Severus' ebony eyes widened in amazement.

"Harry, this is beyond incredible!" Long fingers traced the sleek metal and he could actually feel the power radiating from the talisman.

"You like it?"

Setting the gift aside, he leaned in for a long, sensual kiss. His tongue sought entrance to her mouth and she happily acquiesced. Before long the lovers were back in bed.

In the heat of passion, neither noticed that the anti-conception spell had been forgotten.

January passed the lovers by quickly. When Harry realized her 'time of the month' had come and gone with no results, she was ecstatic. Believing it to be a blessing from the gods and nothing more, she soon forgot about the absence.

When February went by in the same manner, she was too busy studying to notice. In fact, Severus more often than not found her with her nose deep in N.E.W.T study notes.

Grumbling about not being able to see her as much as he wanted to due to the pending exams, Severus told her to make sure her schedule was free for Valentine's Day. He vowed to take her out for dinner and dancing at a fancy restaurant in London called 'Belvedere's'.

Two hours before Harry and Severus were due to arrive at the restaurant, Hermione Granger and Parvati Patil went to work. Her hair, which was now half an inch past her shoulders, was swept up into an elegant French Twist. The few escaping strands were curled and left down to frame Harry's face.

Hermione sprayed 'Madame Mercury's Hair-Be-Still' over her entire head before they started on her make-up. Harry, though extremely more comfortable showing her femininity than she used to be, had never really worn make-up before.

She was excessively patient as the two women showed her how to apply the cosmetics and which colors went best with her complexion. By the time they were done, Parvati held up a mirror to show off their work.

Harry was speechless. She could scarcely believe the woman staring back at her was herself. She reached up to touch her own cheek in wonder. The girl was thankful Hermione had already cast a charm to keep the make-up fresh until a cleaning spell was applied.

She had a little trouble with the stockings, but soon got the hang of feeling like a stuffed sausage.

When she slipped on her dress, both her companions broke out in wolf whistles. Glancing in the mirror, she had to admit they were right. The dress was a deep wine color and gave her just enough cleavage to accentuate her bosom. It hung off the shoulders and dipped down to reveal a slim waist before flaring out and ending an inch above her knees.

She dabbed a bit of perfume behind her ears. Parvati transfigured an old pair of her sister's gold earrings into a stunning pair of diamond-like earrings to match the necklace Severus gave Harry for Christmas.

After slipping on her matching high-heeled shoes, which she'd been practicing walking in for a week, she was pronounced ready. Looking at her watch, Hermione discovered Harry had exactly seven minutes to meet her date in the Great Hall. Seeing as how dinner was just beginning, she was sure to cause a few heads to turn. Of course that was the reason Hermione chose the hall as the meeting place when she sent the note to her professor. Maybe she had a bit of Slytherin in her after all.

Severus both looked and felt out of place standing in his black tuxedo amidst the hustle and bustle of students as they fought their way to the tables. Many of his Slytherins paused to give their head of house a reassuring 'thumbs up' which he responded to with a casual nod.

Knowing this to be a special day for him, they seemed surprised at his calm attitude.

Albus Dumbledore briefly engaged the standoffish man in conversation as he waited for Harry to arrive.

"You look wonderful, my boy. Harry is liable to swoon when she sees you in your torpedo."

Severus raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Thank you Albus, however I believe you mean 'Tuxedo'."

The older wizard laughed. "Indeed, you are correct. I do love muggles but I still get things confused. It's been many a year since I've had the need of a good pair of trousers!"

The hall suddenly fell into silence, punctuated by the clattering of a fork hitting the floor. Confused, Severus turned to discover the source of stillness... and nearly fell over.

He had never seen a vision as spectacular as that of his Harry moving towards him. Her hips sashayed from side to side and for a moment time itself stood still. From the dark curls framing her face to the jewel-bright emerald eyes, Severus fell in love with her all over again.

When she finally reached his side he pulled himself together.

"Wow, Severus. You look fabulous." She reached out and smoothed a hand down his sleeve.

When her hand reached his wrist he grabbed it and brought it up to gently kiss her fingertips. "And you look absolutely stunning, love." He smiled at the blush that always came when she received a compliment. She was never one to believe anyone could find anything remarkable about her.

It took months of constant reassurance to break through the emotional damage wrought by the Dursleys. In all his early years of being a death eater, he had never held hatred as intense as the revulsion he felt for Harry's remaining family. So many times he pleaded with Albus to be allowed to make a personal visit to the so-called normal household.

But despite all his best efforts, Dumbledore had never been convinced of his ability to leave the three muggles breathing. To be honest, Severus could not be assured of his own self-restraint when it came to facing the beings who tortured the love of his life throughout her entire childhood.

"Sev?"

Severus started and met the sparkling green gaze of his mate. "Yes Harry?"

She chuckled. "You spaced out for a second. I asked if you were ready to get going."

He nodded and kissed her hand once more before guiding her out of the hall. Severus moved an arm around her waist and glared at all the idiotic miscreants who dared to drool over his woman.

Harry laughed softly and placed her own arm around her boyfriend.

The two lovers casually sipped their red wine in the secluded table in the corner of the crowded establishment, content to enjoy each other's company.

"Have I told you lately how utterly lucky I am to have found you?"

Green eyes sparkled merrily. "I believe you're getting sappy on me, Professor Snape. Should I expect a long walk along a white sandy beach in the moonlight anytime soon?" Harry reached out to trace a finger down her partner's pale cheek. "Besides, I rather think I'm the one Lady Luck has smiled upon. How many boy-turned-girls are blessed with a bisexual mate?"

Severus smirked as he set down his glass. "Well, I'll give you that. And you are perhaps correct in the fact that I'm being overly sentimental tonight. However, when I look at you as both man and woman I can't help but feel there isn't a soul in the world who wouldn't fall in love with you." He leaned across the table to capture her lips for a second. "You bring out my incurably romantic side."

On cue, Harry's cheeks went pink. "Oh Sev." She sighed and Severus could see unshed tears in her eyes. "When I was very little I would sneak upstairs at night to listen to my aunt and uncle tuck Dudley in. They would read to him, sing him songs... anything he asked for.

"I would listen to them and pretend they were my parents... that I was my cousin because it was the closest I thought I'd ever be to feeling loved." She reached over and took his hand in hers. "Sometimes when I'm with you I feel overwhelmed. We both know I have low self confidence."

Severus nodded.

"Well, sometimes I feel like all this is a dream. Like I'm going to wake up and realize I'd never left the cupboard on Privet Drive. Even when you and I argue, which is often, I'm so thrilled to have someone who loves me enough to care what I think. The Dursleys liked to pretend I didn't exist."

Severus squeezed her hand. "They are fools. Those bastards had the chance to love someone so pure of heart but they chose to be monsters instead. They will get what's coming to them one day."

Harry smiled sadly. "I really couldn't care less about them. What I'm trying to say is I love you Severus. I love you with all my heart and soul, and everyday I become more and more amazed by the fact that you love me back."

Severus wiped a tear from Harry's cheek. "Now who's being excessively mawkish?"

She chuckled and used Sev's words from earlier. "What can I say, you bring out my incurably romantic side."

Severus suddenly stood and held out his hand. "I believe I promised you dinner and dancing, my lady. Would you give me the honor of joining me on the dance floor, seeing as how it's not quite as full as before?"

Harry smiled and placed her napkin on the table. "It would be my pleasure. But no complaining when I step all over your toes."

He pulled her close and whispered seductively in her ear. "You will find, sweet Harry, that there is no part of my body that is averse to your touch."

Harry raised her eyebrow as Sev lead her in a slow dance. "I shall have to remember that for tonight, love."

Finally, the day of the anxiously awaited Spring Jamboree arrived. Harry spent the entire morning hunched over the toilet bowl as she emptied her stomach of everything she'd ever dreamed of eating.

Severus knelt behind her and held the long dark hair away from the sweaty face. He had already given her an anti-nausea potion, but (ironically) she threw it up immediately.

As soon as she was sure nothing else was going to come up, Harry stumbled to the sink and rinsed out her mouth. She then brushed her teeth twice for good measure. Sev rubbed her back and kissed her on the temple.

Too miserable to respond, the girl ignored him and staggered back to the bed and slept. Severus pulled the comforter over her and went to brew a milder stomach-settling potion.

By lunchtime Harry felt much better. She slipped on a pair of black slacks and a red top before heading for the Great Hall.

'Sev must already be there.' She hadn't seen the professor since he woke her up briefly to take some kind of minty potion three hours previous.

The imposing man was sitting stiffly next to Minerva. Ebony eyes met emerald and Harry answered the unspoken question with a smile and nod before continuing on to her place next to Ron and Hermione.

Ron paused in his consumption of mass quantities of food when he saw her. "Hiya Harry."

She spooned some corn onto her plate, but went a little green at the sight of the beets... normally one of her favorites. "Hey Guys. Ready for the dance tonight?"

Hermione set her transfigurations text down and picked up a roll. "Oh I can't wait. Ron refuses to show me his dress robes. He says he wants to surprise me. Lavender's going to fix my hair with a new spell she found in that magazine, 'Teen Witch'."

Granger leaned in to study Harry's face. "Harry, you look horrible! There are circles under your eyes and your face is positively green!"

Harry waved her off. "It's nothing that's going to cause me to miss the dance, so don't worry. It's just some kind of bug or something. I get a little queasy in the mornings, and it usually goes away by lunch. It's been this way for about a week."

She ignored the bushy-haired girl when her eyebrows shot up.

"I'm fine! Today's the only day I've thrown up." Harry looked up to see Hermione's gobsmacked expression. Lavender, who was sitting beside Ron, was frozen in place with her fork three inches from her mouth. Parvati wore an expression of unabashed horror.

The surrounding boys, however, were completely clueless as to what was causing these reactions.

Harry sighed. "What? Am I showing symptoms of a life-threatening illness or something?"

Instead of answering, Hermione asked a question of her own. "Um... Harry. Have you by any chance missed any of your monthly visitors recently?"

"Monthly visitors? What the hell are you... OH!" She blushed when she realized what the girl was asking. The other two girls leaned in, anxiously awaiting her answer. "Just the last two, why?" She jumped when Lavender's fork slipped and clattered against her plate, scattering peas in all directions.

Hermione went pale as the blood quickly drained from her face. She grabbed her books and swiftly stood up. "Harry, I think you should go see Madam Pomfrey." She began to walk away.

"Hermione, wait!" The two drew curious stares as Harry latched onto Granger's arm in desperation. "Is it something serious?"

"Harry...."

"Please? I want to know what you think it is."

Hermione sighed and leaned in to whisper in her best friend's ear. "I think you're pregnant."

Harry froze, unable to breathe. As dizziness assaulted her full force, she vaguely became aware of startled cries and someone saying her name before blackness encompassed her.

As soon as he saw Harry stagger, Severus jumped up and rushed toward her. Though he wasn't able to reach her side in time to catch her, Seamus Finnegan used his quick reflexes to keep the brunette from hitting the stone floor.

Hermione Granger looked on in fear, but Severus barely spared her a glance as he patted the unconscious girl's cheeks in attempt to revive her. After a few moments, Harry came around with a groan.

Bleary green eyes focused on him finally.

"Are you okay Harry?"

She nodded confusedly before her eyes went wide with shock. Harry picked herself up from the floor and began to pace. She seemed to be chanting "Oh my god" over and over again. Severus began to feel a little anxious himself, not knowing what was bothering her.

"Harry?"

The girl in question snapped her head up as if just now remembering his presence. "Sev, Madam Pomfrey... we have to go see Madam Pomfrey." Without waiting on a reply, Harry latched onto the professor's sleeve and dragged him out of the hall.

After being pulled down two flights of stairs and three corridors, Severus could take no more. He grabbed Harry's wrist and hauled them both into the darkened Muggle Studies classroom.

"I'm not going any further until you tell me exactly why we're going to the hospital wing."

Harry began wringing her hands in panic, so Sev grabbed and gently held the trembling fingers. "I think I may be... I mean it's possible that... well actually Hermione thinks...."

He sighed. "Just spit it out, love."

"I may be pregnant."

Severus stared at her. And blinked... a lot.

Harry tentatively waved a hand in front of his face. "Sev? Severus, you in there?"

The older wizard gasped loudly as if he'd been holding his breath since Harry'd said the word 'pregnant'. He reached out and squeezed her shoulder before leading them both down to the dungeons.

As soon as they were in the safety of their rooms, Severus cupped Harry's face and kissed her passionately. The tension immediately fled the girl's body at the non-verbal affirmation of his love for her.

When they broke apart, Harry gazed into his dark eyes and smiled uncertainly. "I was scared you wouldn't want me anymore if it were true."

He drew his eyebrows together in confusion. "Why in the world would you ever think that? I love you, but that's beside the point. It's not only your responsibility to remember the spells. If anything 'unplanned' pops up, we'll deal with it together. Okay?"

Harry nodded.

Severus left the room, only to return a few minutes later with two vials. "These are both pregnancy indication potions. The first one is a basic one, which will either confirm or deny pregnancy. The second one does the same, only it will let us know the gender of the baby if you are with child."

She thought about it for a moment. "I wouldn't mind knowing whether it's a boy or a girl if it's true. But I'll go along with whatever you decide."

He handed her the more advanced potion and pricked her finger, letting four drops fall into the brown liquid before capping and shaking the vial. They spent the next five minutes on the couch, Harry in Sev's lap, waiting for the results. The mixture turned a vivid shade of yellow.

"What does yellow mean?" Harry looked confused.

Severus tightened his hold on the woman. "It means that you and I are going to be the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy sometime later this year."

She gasped and placed a hand on her abdomen. The two stayed silent for a long while, content to hold each other as their lives changed so drastically around them.

They began getting ready for the dance around five that evening. Harry had already slipped on her green satin dress robes and began fixing her hair and make-up as Severus got in the shower.

When he emerged he was met with the comical sight of Harry walking around their bedroom with a pillow under her robes. She jumped when she noticed her audience for the first time. When Sev began laughing, she pulled the pillow out and chunked it at him.

Severus pulled her close and began rocking her in a slow dance to non-existent music. "So are we telling people?"

Harry sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "No need. Both Lavender and Parvati have figured it out. I'm willing to bet they had the entire hall informed before I hit the ground."

Severus snorted. "Yes... Patil and Brown. Sometimes I'm sorely tempted to lace their pumpkin juice with a tongue-removing draught. It would greatly discourage the wanton spreading of ridiculous rumors."

Harry smirked and leaned in to nibble on her boyfriend's ear. "You know if you play your cards right I'll be doing some wanton spreading of my own tonight in our bedroom."

Severus smirked. "Hmm... then I shall endeavor to be on my best behavior."

He was graced with the sound of Harry's musical laughter before the two left for the dance.

Harry let Severus go out the door first. She paused in closing it, looking around at the home they'd made for themselves over the last year and smiled.

Maybe... just maybe things would be okay.

End -- (for now)

I'm now working on various scenes to add to my other fiction "Forever My Baby" along with other ideas for stories. Now I get to add this one to the list of things to expand. Yay! B.O.E.