Chapter 3

Hedwig gave out a little squawk, trying to waken her master. Harry groaned and opened an eye.

"Hedwig," he whispered. The bird fluttered down to perch beside him on the futon. "Have you got a message from Severus?"

Hedwig lifted her leg so Harry could unhook the letter tied there.

"He's coming, Hedwig. He's coming," Harry crowed as he scanned the letter from Severus. He petted the owl. "I'll get you some more of those biscuits."

The owl rolled her head and gave another little squawk. Harry hustled to the kitchen and found some more biscuits. He crushed them into little pieces and set Hedwig on the counter of the kitchen to eat them. She pecked away at the crumbs, giving Harry an occasional peck as he reread Severus' letter.

"Did Hedwig bring an answer from Severus?" Justin asked as he came down from the bedroom.

"Yes."

"Is he coming?"

"Yes," Harry replied with a big smile spread across his face.

"So I'm finally going to get to meet this Severus person?" Brian asked joining them. "I was beginning to think he was a figment of your warped imagination." Brian started making a pot of coffee.

"Severus is very real," Harry stated firmly. "You'll see when he gets here."

"I can hardly wait," Brian replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I wouldn't be sarcastic when you meet him," Harry warned.

"What? He'll turn me into a toad?"

Harry almost choked. That was exactly what he had wanted to turn Brian into shortly after he met him. And Harry had a lot more patience that Severus Snape did. "I'll simply say that you should be careful."

"That'll be the day," Brian scoffed.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Harry said ominously.

Brian gave him a bemused look before heading to the bathroom to take a shower.

"Severus wouldn't do anything to Brian, would he?" Justin asked with a worried frown.

Harry shrugged. "I really can't speak for Severus, but I did try to warn Brian." Harry let Hedwig step onto his wrist, and then he carried her to the open window. She gave him an affectionate peck on the cheek before launching herself into the air.

"Did you send a message back?" Justin asked as he poured them some cereal.

"No, Severus will arrive later today."

"Will he come through the fireplace at Debbie's?"

"No," Harry chuckled. "One of us doing that was enough. He's going to use a port key."

"How does that work?" Justin asked.

Harry spooned some cereal into his mouth. "It's an object that allows you to link to a certain place. Severus will arrive somewhere nearby."

"But you don't know where?"

"Not exactly."

"How will he find us once he's here?"

"He'll find me. He can apparate into the loft if he chooses to do so."

"Apparate?"

"He'll … just appear here."

"Out of nowhere?" Justin asked his eyes getting large.

"Yes," Harry replied with a gleam of enjoyment in his eyes. He hoped Brian was home when Severus appeared. That would set Mr. Brian Kinney back on his heels. Harry knew that Severus had placed a tracking spell on him years ago, during the War, which allowed him to apparate to his location as long as he was within a certain distance of him.

Justin looked at Harry, studying him closer than he had before. He saw a handsome young man, hot even, in spite of the geeky glasses. He had amazing green eyes and unruly hair that made Justin think of Brian's. Harry had turned a lot of heads at the diner and at Babylon. But Justin was positive that Harry would never want to be part of the club scene. He seemed to have his mind on other things, like being a wizard. Justin shook his head. It was still almost impossible to believe that Harry really was a wizard. Although, he had done that amazing disappearing act, to say nothing of the amazing appearing act at Debbie's the first time they had seen him.

Harry was eating his cereal and looking very thoughtful. He reached up with his hand that didn't hold the spoon and rubbed at his forehead. Justin watched the action. When Harry's hand came away, Justin noticed for the first time the scar that looked like a small lightning bolt. Harry's hair had partially hidden it.

"How did you get that?" Justin asked out of curiosity.

"I … It happened when I was a baby." Harry wasn't sure how much he wanted to reveal about that scar.

"Mother drop you on your head?" Justin joked.

Harry winced. "Something like that," he replied, hoping to leave it at that.

"I have one in almost the same place," Justin said pulling back his longish hair to reveal the scar from the bashing.

"What happened to you?" Harry asked with a frown.

"Short version: Brian came to my prom and one of the school jocks took exception. He hit me in the head with a baseball bat."

Harry's mouth dropped open. "Because you were gay? Because your boyfriend was there?"

"Yeah, and he got to do a few hours of community service as a result."

"That stinks," Harry said vehemently.

"You can say that again," Justin agreed. "Hey, maybe you could make Chris Hobbs fall down a flight of stairs, or turn him into a snake, since that's what he is."

"That's the best use of magic I've heard so far," Brian added as he rejoined them, dressed for work.

"We … um … we don't use our magic that way," Harry said uncertainly. He would have liked to punish this Chris Hobbs for being a homophobic prick.

"How did you two arrive at the disgusting topic of Chris Hobbs?" Brian asked as he sipped his coffee.

"Harry has a scar on his forehead," Justin said.

Brian reached over and pushed the hair away from Harry's forehead. He studied the lightning bolt he found there. "Interesting," was all he chose to say.

Harry felt the magnetism of Brian Kinney when the man touched him. That simple gesture of brushing away Harry's hair stirred something in the young wizard. He could suddenly understand why Justin was so under the spell of Brian Kinney. Strangely though, it made Harry long even more for Severus.

"Will you be home early?" Justin asked as Brian picked up his briefcase.

"I should probably work late," Brian sighed.

"Severus will be here later today," Justin said. "Try to come home early."

"Wouldn't want to miss meeting Severus Snape," Brian snorted. "I'll see what I can do," he conceded, giving Justin a quick kiss before he went out the door.

"So," Justin said, "what shall we do until your boyfriend arrives?"

Harry felt himself blushing scarlet. "Merlin, don't call him that!"

"Why not? It's the truth, isn't it?"

Harry blushed deeper. Even if it wasn't exactly true, Harry wished it might be.

*****

Justin and Harry wiled away the morning. They went to the video store and rented a couple of movies. Justin took Harry to the market to pick up a few things so they could make some sandwiches for lunch. The morning wore on into the afternoon and still Severus had not appeared.

They would jump at the merest noise in the loft - the refrigerator coming on, the rafters creaking. The slightest sound made them think that Severus had arrived. Harry said that Severus would arrive with a distinct popping noise, but that didn't stop them from gasping with anticipation at each little noise.

At four-thirty the door to the loft slid back. Harry and Justin jumped a foot off the sofa, letting out simultaneous squeals and nearly falling on the floor. They each glanced nervously towards the door, as soon as they were able to get a grip on themselves. They breathed a collective sigh of relief when they saw that it was Brian.

Brian snorted derisively as he watched their antics. "I take it the infamous Professor Snape has not yet arrived. And here I went to all the trouble of getting off work early and speeding home to meet the aforementioned gentleman."

"He'll be…" Harry started, when something began to happen in the space between Brian and Harry.

A shape suddenly materialized and Severus Snape stood before them, looking imperiously at the three men before uttering in a booming voice, "What the Hell have you done this time, Potter?"

Harry visibly blanched. "I … I'm sorry I had to call on you for assistance, Professor. But I'm so glad you're here."

"Of course you are!" Snape snorted.

Brian eyed the man finding something vaguely familiar in the way the man carried himself. Other than that, Brian could hardly believe the long stringy hair and pallid skin. The man needed a good haircut and about a month in a tanning bed. Then he might look human.

"Professor Snape," Justin said stepping forward, "I'm Justin Taylor and this is Brian Kinney. We're very happy to finally meet you."

Severus looked down his nose at Justin. "Harry," he said, "why did you bring me here in front of these Muggles?"

"I'm beginning to fucking detest that word … Muggles," Brian stated.

"And I should care about that … why?" Severus asked.

"Harry, I think it's time you and your professor went home," Brian said, the last of his patience having been exhausted.

"Good, let's go, Harry," Snape said.

"I … Can't we stay for a while. I have so much I want to show you," Harry told him.

"What could I possibly want to see in … Pittsburgh?" Severus said with all the disdain he could muster.

"You know, I ask myself that every day," Brian chuckled. He might actually grow to like this guy. They thought about things in the same way. Too bad he would be leaving momentarily, or maybe not so bad. "Bye, bye, Harry. It was nice meeting you and your … friend. Try not to drop in unexpectedly any time soon."

"Do you practise being rude?" Snape asked.

"Probably no more than you do. I find it comes quite naturally."

Snape glared at Brian for a moment and then curled his lip in amusement. "You are at least a semi-worthy opponent in a verbal sparring match. Severus Snape at your service."

"Brian Kinney, not at yours."

"Don't push me too far," Severus said ominously.

"No farther than you push me."

"Truce, please," Harry begged. "Can we just sit down and talk for a moment?"

"Yes, please," Justin begged, looking at Brian and imploring with his eyes for Brian to be nice to their guests.

"I will if he will," Brian said rather petulantly.

"Would you like a drink?" Justin asked.

"Yes, Professor, have a beer?" Harry asked.

"All right, Potter. But then we go."

Justin quickly hurried to the fridge to get beers for all of them. Thank goodness that was one of the things he had bought at the supermarket.

When they each had a beer, Harry led Severus over to the sofa where they sat down rather stiffly, but side by side. Brian and Justin took the chairs nearer the windows.

"So how did you get here, Professor?" Brian asked. "Come through a nearby fireplace?"

"Did you use the port key?" Harry asked trying to deflect attention from Brian's rather inept question, and Severus' likely nasty response.

"Yes," Severus replied. "This towel took me to some kind of abandoned building not far from here. It smelled rather vile." He pulled a towel out of his pocket.

"Where did you get that?" Brian asked in surprise.

"I obtained it from the American/British Wizard Consulate when I explained I needed to go to Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh," Severus sneered. "If it's any of your concern."

"Maybe it's not," Brian conceded as he looked at the towel. It bore a stamp of the Liberty Baths which were now closed. "But that towel could be one I've used," he chuckled. "You landed at the Liberty Baths."

"As baths go, it was a rather filthy kind of place," Severus stated.

"They're not that kind of baths," Brian said sticking his tongue in his cheek. If Severus Snape actually had any color in his face, Brian would say that it just doubled. He enjoyed embarrassing the arrogant professor. Maybe Harry's affections weren't misplaced after all.

"Brian, let's go pick up a couple of pizzas," Justin suggested. He made eye contact with Brian, indicating that they should get out of the loft for a bit and leave Harry and Severus alone.

"Sure," Brian said getting the message. "Anything you don't like on pizza?"

Both men shrugged so Brian and Justin headed out to their favorite pizza place.

"Severus," Harry said, as soon as the loft door closed behind Brian and Justin. "Thank you again for coming to my assistance."

"How do you get yourself into these things?" Severus asked, looking affectionately at the young man for the first time.

"It's a long story, but it doesn't matter at the moment. I'm just so glad you're here."

"Why don't we use the port key while they're gone?" Severus asked.

"I … I have some things I want to show you while we're here."

"There's nothing here that I am the least bit interested in … except you."

Harry's face lit up at Severus' words. "I … I've missed seeing you."

"Likewise," the professor said softly.

"Oh, Severus, why can't we be together?"

"Harry, this is highly inappropriate. I'm your teacher and I'm … much older than you."

"I don't care. You're not my teacher anymore and Brian's older than Justin and they get along just fine."

"You mean someone actually puts up with that insufferable man?"

Harry nodded. "Justin loves him, and I … could put up with you."

Severus thought for a moment not at all pleased by the implication that he needed to be put up with … the way Brian Kinney did. Then his face softened as he realized the underlying love that Harry was professing to him. "Harry, we shouldn't."

"I know you want me as much as I want you. And there are lots of couples like us. I've seen them. Look at Brian and Justin. Come with me to Babylon tonight, and let me show you. I want that for us."

"This is crazy, Harry. We should just go home."

"I don't want to go home … yet. I want you to see this place and what it could be like … for us. Please, Severus."

"How can I refuse you anything?" Severus said with a sigh. Harry flung his arms around Severus' neck and the ensuing kiss was hot and tender and wonderful for them both.

When the kiss ended, Severus let out a long groan. He had wanted Harry for so long. His student had become a beautiful young man, a young man who wanted him as much as he wanted Harry. Dare he let that happen?

"No more kissing for now," Severus stated. "Tell me how you came to be here and what it is that you want to show me. What is this Babylon place? And just who are these men you have hooked up with?"

"Don't say hooked up," Harry giggled. "It means something else here."

"Oh, do tell."

Harry set about telling Severus about his adventures since he first stepped out of the fireplace at Debbie Novotny's house. He explained how kind and helpful Brian and Justin had been to him, how they had looked after him when his tooth made him so sick. Severus was able to fix it with a potion and a quick spell.

He told Severus how he really liked Justin, and felt that he had found a friend in the young man. He told him about the bashing and how Justin had a scar on his forehead not unlike his own. He explained that Brian had gone to Justin's prom and had inadvertently been the cause of the bashing. He told Severus about the lack of justice for Justin, how Chris Hobbs had basically got away with the terrible crime, and had suffered almost no consequences.

It was when Harry tried to explain about Brian Kinney that he ran into trouble. He had to admit that Brian was infuriating and rude and inconsiderate. He was arrogant and insensitive, but he would do anything for Justin. He had helped Harry get his tooth temporarily fixed and had paid for a hospital visit. In spite of how he came across, he had a big heart, and had really looked out for Harry since he had been in Pittsburgh.

Harry was finishing up his story about Brian and Justin when the two men returned, each carrying a pizza box.

"Dinner is served," Justin said setting the box on the counter and getting out some plates while Brian opened the boxes and got out some utensils.

Once they were all seated in the living room munching on their pizza, Brian felt compelled to say, "So, professor, you're a wizard too."

Harry blanched. Severus glared at Brian. Justin stared at the floor. Brian looked smug.

They all waited.

"Harry has a big mouth," Severus finally said, giving Harry a pointed look.

"Yes, a most admirable mouth, which has been waiting patiently for you to come." In his usual fashion, Brian stressed the last word, leaving the meaning open to interpretation. Brian was sure he saw the color rise once again in the professor's pale face. These wizards were an uptight lot.

"Um … Brian," Harry began, "I was hoping we could take Severus to Babylon before we have to go home."

"I suppose that could be arranged. Babylon will wonder what's hit it," Brian smirked. He could hardly wait for gay Pittsburgh to get a look at the strange professor.

"He'll need something different to wear," Harry said tentatively. He looked at Justin for help.

"He's about Brian's size," Justin said quickly. "I'm sure we can find something appropriate."

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"Where to begin," Brian snorted. Severus gave him a withering look.

"What you're wearing isn't suitable for a club," Harry explained.

"Come on, Harry, let's go see what we can find in the closet." The two young men headed up to the bedroom.

Severus and Brian looked at each other, not knowing what to say.

Finally Brian decided to take the bull by the horns. "He wants you, you know."

"What are you saying?" Severus asked in horror. No one would dare to discuss his private life.

"You know what I'm saying, and if I'm not mistaken, you want him too. What's holding you back?"

Severus' angry face gradually went slack and then he sighed. "I'm the teacher. I'm older. It just isn't appropriate."

"Fuck appropriate! If you love him, go after it."

Severus studied Brian. "Are you speaking from personal experience?" he asked craftily.

Brian smiled. This guy was nobody's fool. "Maybe," he admitted. "Let's just say that I wasted a lot of time fighting Justin off. It was a waste for both of us."

"So you're saying that I shouldn't make the same mistake."

"My guess is that you've already made that mistake. I'm saying stop making it."

"And what makes you such an expert on relationships?"

Brian snorted. "Until recently I couldn't even say that word without breaking into a sweat. I'm no expert, but I do know a little about human nature, and I read people rather well."

Severus smiled at the arrogance, but he also knew Brian was right. "I'll grant you that. I have wanted Harry for a long time," he whispered.

"And now Harry's an adult. He knows what he wants, and what he wants is you."

"How old was Justin when you two entered into your relationship?"

Brian snorted. He still wasn't sure they actually had a relationship. After musing about that point for a few seconds, he merely said, "Seventeen."

Severus could hear the pride in Brian's voice. It made Severus wonder if maybe it was possible for him and Harry to be together too.

"Come on, you two," Justin called. "Let's get ready for Babylon."

It took a long time to find something suitable for Severus to wear. Many outfits he simply refused. Some were too tight. Some were too revealing. Some he wouldn't even consider putting on. Finally they settled on a pair of Brian's well worn jeans and a sleeveless shirt that revealed Severus' surprisingly well developed upper body.

Then the showering began, one at a time for the sake of propriety. Brian had a lot to say about that, but Justin refused to shower with him. He did, however, promise several trips to the backroom once they got to Babylon.

By the time everyone was ready, including much discussion of Severus' hair, it was time to leave for Babylon. They had finally convinced Severus to pull the stringy locks back into a very short ponytail. It gave the professor a somewhat feral look that was not at all unattractive.

Brian was about ready to kick them all the fuck out when Justin finally declared that everyone was ready.

Babylon did a literal double take when Brian Kinney and entourage walked in. People stopped and stared. Most of them had seen Harry the night before, but the new man caused even more of a stir. To say his looks were unusual was a vast understatement. He radiated a power that was undeniable. Many men felt their jeans grow tight as they watched him walk through the club towards the bar.

After a beer and some small talk they all hit the dance floor. Harry draped himself all over Severus, and Severus allowed him to. This land of gay men seemed to release a lot of the inhibitions that both Harry and Severus had. Several times men tried to cut in on the two, but they were quickly told to get lost. Harry and Severus had eyes for no one else. While they continued to dance, Justin and Brian took that opportunity for a trip to the backroom.

After several dances and getting all hot and bothered, Severus told Harry that they should be on their way. They could spend the night in Severus' rooms. Harry liked the sound of that. They had both been hard since they started dancing, and Severus' rooms held a promise of things to come.

They found Brian and Justin at the bar, thanked them for all their help, and said their goodbyes. Harry reminded them not to tell anyone about them and who they were. Both men promised. As Severus was about to walk away, he said to Brian," Watch the evening news tomorrow."

"What?"

"Just watch it," Severus repeated. "And thank you."

Brian nodded, and then they were gone.

*****

Brian and Justin were sitting on the sofa eating some Thai takeout when the evening news came on. They watched the first few stories including one about the war in Iraq and another about a murder in downtown Pittsburgh. The third story was about some new funding for Allegheny General Hospital's emergency department. Brian wanted to turn the TV to something more enjoyable, but Justin reminded him that Severus wanted them to see something on the news.

"We now switch live to our reporter, Melissa Dumont, outside the ER of Allegheny General Hospital," the news anchor stated. "Melissa, what's the story about this new funding?"

"Hi, Charlie," Melissa said perkily. Brian snorted. "The new funding is welcomed, but the hospital is trying to make the public aware that overuse and inappropriate use of ER time and facilities is really the problem. Too many people come to the ER with problems that would best be handled by their family doctor. Let's see what some people are doing here this evening."

Melissa stopped a woman carrying a baby who was crying and cranky, apparently with a cold or ear infection. When asked why she hadn't taken the baby to their own doctor earlier in the day, she had no explanation and rushed inside the hospital.

"This is stupid," Brian said reaching for the remote. "That woman was probably at work."

"Wait," Justin said placing his hand on top of Brian's.

"Sir," Melissa said stopping a man trying to enter the ER. "Why are you here this evening?"

"It's none of your business," he replied keeping his head partially turned and his hand near his face.

"Another fucking cold," Brian pronounced.

"We're just trying to get a gauge of ER use," Melissa said. "Please tell us why you're about to use the ER."

"Because of this. All right?" Chris Hobbs turned towards the camera and lowered his hand. A huge wart or enormous boil or humongous growth the size of a golf ball or maybe a hardball stuck out from the side of his nose. "It just appeared like this about a half hour ago. I have to go inside." He hurried through the door.

"Oh my," Melissa reacted. "I guess some people really do need immediate help." It was clear she was trying not to laugh. "Back to you, Charlie."

"That was fucking Chris Hobbs," Justin said in wonder.

"And his pet wart. Did you see the size of that thing?" Brian laughed.

"It was huge … and he was on television for the whole of Pittsburgh to see."

"Now that's my brand of magic," Brian laughed. "Thank you, Severus Snape!"

Justin turned and kissed his lover. They couldn't have asked for a better ending to their adventure with the two wizards.

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