Chapter Text
The carriage pulled up to the castle and Harry and the headmaster stepped out. Harrison handed over the shopping bag that held their purchases after reaching inside to pull out a small tin of biscuits. He stuffed the tin inside his robe pocket and smiled at Harry. He turned and started walking inside, Harry following after him.
“Mr. Snape will be vulnerable,” Harrison told him. “He did not seem like a man easily controlled by his emotions.”
“No,” Harry confirmed.
“He will be as a wild creature, and you must approach with caution. He will most likely not exhibit signs of his former self until he feels comfortable around you. If he misbehaves you can control him by grabbing him by the scruff of his neck to assert your dominance. Once he is comfortable around you, a gentle swat might occasionally be needed. As Lovey told you, I will provide you with a book that teaches proper behavior towards a Neko. Occasionally we will have a Nonee child of Neekos who has had no guidance from a dominate.”
Harry gave a small start. “So Nekos mate with other Nekos as well?”
Harrison chuckled. “Of course. Domsub partnerships are just as prevalent as subdoms.”
“But subdoms can’t have children and domsubs can?” Harry asked, confused.
Harrison chuckled. “I see. You are associating Neekos with the females of your world and Nonees with the males.” Harry blushed at the accurate assessment. “A Neko of any gender is capable of producing children, whether by impregnating or carrying the child. A Nonee only has the ability to impregnate. A Nonee can never carry children, we are incapable of it,” Harrison explained. We are much like Alpha’s, to use a term from a dimension I visited once. Of course, a Nonee would never have more than one mate.” Harrison let out a chuckle. “Our Nekos would be very irate if we even thought of such. They are very territorial and possessive.”
“You said Nekos were sensual creatures. Does that mean they can be promiscuous as well?” Harry asked curiously as they made their way down the corridor to the headmaster’s tower. Harrison looked at him with furrowed brows.
“What is promiscuous?”
Harry’s face flushed. “Um. They have casual relationships. Have sex with others before they settle down.”
The explanation did not seem to clarify things for the Nonee. “Why would a Neko wish to have a litter before they have a Keeper to take care of them?”
Harry shook his head. “Not to breed. Just… to have sex. For fun.”
Harrison’s face lit with understanding. “Ah. I take it this is something the people of your dimension engage in. No. A Neko would never allow another in their body. That is reserved for their mate only. It is why we mate so young. The people of our world remain sexually untouched until we mate. No other knows our bodies save our bonded.” Harry thought that was odd but coming from someone from a world that didn’t even have a word the equivalent of promiscuous it probably wasn’t.
They reached the top of the tower and Harrison let them into his office. Harry paused at the sight that met them. Lovey was seated on one of the upper levels of his tree, a small Neko girl sat in his lap playing with his black tail. The Neko boy-child was playing with a sibling as they chased the flying string around. And off to the side sat the new Neko Snape. Harry immediately noticed he had a white circle of fur over one pointed ear and his tail seemed to be white with slashes of black throughout it. Snape sat huddled back against the desk, his tail held protectively in his hand. The other hand was reaching out to roll a jingling ball back and forth while a Nonee girl child sat in front of him. She smiled softly at Snape and quietly urged him to play with the toy, praising him when he batted at the ball. Something warm filled Harry in that moment and he wanted nothing more than to run over and scoop the new Neko into his lap and soothe him.
“I told you he would be lovely,” Harrison said, pulling Harry’s attention back to him. Harrison smiled broadly. “Of course, no one can measure up to my Lovey.” Harrison reached into his pocket and pulled out the tin of biscuits. He gave it a small shake pulling everyone’s attention to them. “Lovey, I brought you a treat.”
The room chorused with childish cries of “Daddy,” and Harrison smiled at Harry.
“Now that I’ve distracted them, go see to your Neko.” Harrison nodded his head and Harry turned to see the Nonee girl speaking to Snape, his dark eyes darting around fearfully. “Oh, and, Harry.” Harry turned back to the man. “Use his name. ‘Snape’ is too formal.” Harry nodded and made his way over to the ex-professor. “No. These are for mummy. You children have snacks waiting in the kitchen. Shoo.”
Harry moved cautiously towards Snape. The girl spotted him and gave him a friendly smile. “Is he yours?”
Harry nodded. “I’m hoping so,” he told the girl. Snape looked up at him with wary eyes and Harry stopped a few feet from the new Neko. He dropped down to one knee and set the shopping bag beside him. The girl, Leelee, Harry assumed, patted Snape on the head and whispered something in his ear before moving away. Snape’s dark eyes darted over Harry’s shoulder and he turned to see Lovey slinking around Harrison, his tail sliding over Harrison intimately as he nibbled on a biscuit straight from the Nonee’s hand. Harry turned back to Snape and reached into the bag to pull out a tin of biscuits.
“Hello, Severus,” he said softly, drawing Snape’s attention. “Are you hungry? Would you like a biscuit as well?” Snape’s pink tongue darted out but he didn’t make a sound. Harry popped the lid off the tin and noticed Snape’s nose twitch slightly. Harry pulled a biscuit out and held it out. “Here you go. It’s okay. I won’t hurt you,” he reassured the man. Snape eyed the biscuit for several seconds before darting a hand out to grab it from Harry. He nibbled on it as he watched Harry move into a sitting position. “Do you like that? Is it yummy?” Harry smiled at the man and Snape gave a small nod of his head. “I have some other things for you, if you’d like.” The black eyes went wide, and Harry fancied he could see the eagerness in them. Once again he reached into the bag and rummaged around until he found the small cauldron. He pulled it out and showed it to Snape. Snape was finishing the biscuit and he tilted his head to study the new toy. Harry gave it a little shake and Snape seemed to brighten up at the jingle. The man released his tail and cautiously moved onto his hands and knees. Harry watched in anticipation as Snape slowly crawled forward, his eyes darting from the toy to Harry and back. “It’s okay. Come here.” Harry realized the man had changed out of his robes into a pair of what looked like leather pants and a black long-sleeved shirt. Snape reached Harry and reached out to bat a hand at the cauldron. It gave another soft jingle and Snape let out a soft sound before batting at it again. It fell out of Harry’s hand and Snape looked up at him. “Go on. It’s yours,” Harry told the man. Snape darted forward and butted his forehead against Harry’s knee before turning his attention back to the ball.
“It looks like you are making progress already.” Harry turned at the soft voice to see Harrison standing a few feet away. Lovey was on his knees sucking crumbs off Harrison’s fingers while his tail was sliding up and down Harrison’s inner thigh. Harry thought the entire scene was a bit too erotic for public display but perhaps this sort of behavior was normal. “You can stay in our guest room tonight. The train leaves early in the morning and I will arrange to have someone pick you up from the station and take you to Prewitt Manor tomorrow. In the meantime, continue working on him.” Harry nodded and turned his attention back to watching Snape bat the cauldron back and forth. He had to consciously refrain from reaching out to stroke the long tail that seemed to tease him. This was going to be a long mission.
After several minutes, Harry noticed Snape seemed to be growing bored with the cauldron so he reached into the bag and pulled out the collection of vials. Snape’s head shot up as he caught the glimmer of light bouncing off one of the vials and his dark eyes immediately latched onto the vials. Cauldron forgotten, Snape slinked across the floor and watched as Harry picked up a vial with glittering gold liquid inside.
“Would you like this?” Snape’s eyes darted to Harry then back to the vial. “It’s alright. I got it for you.” Harry gave a small start when Snape seemed to leap forward and practically landed in Harry’s lap. He rubbed his head against Harry’s stomach and Harry held the vial out to him. Snape took it and began to slowly move it so the liquid inside slid back and forth. Harry watched the other man for several minutes before he tentatively reached up and began to stroke the soft hairs between the ears. The ears twitched but Snape gave no other indication he noticed what Harry was doing. After a while Harry pulled out a second vial. This one was filled with a thick green liquid and had a stream of silver flowing through it. Harry thought it was aptly Slytherin and held it out to Snape. Snape tucked the gold vial against his body and reached for the new one. He held it almost reverently between his fingers, his tail reaching up to stroke the bottle. He tipped it experimentally and the silver strand danced in the green liquid.
“Pretty,” he whispered, and Harry was surprised at the soft purring quality of his voice. The dark head tilted so the black eyes were focused on Harry. “Mine?”
Harry smiled at the Neko. “Yes. Yours.” A smile brightened the normally stoic face and Harry’s breath caught in his chest at the sight. Snape turned back to the vial and Harry thought that was enough gifts for the man for now. He would hold back the other vials and yarn for another day. No sense in showing all his cards on the first hand. Snape stayed fascinated with the new vial until Harrison returned to let them know dinner was ready.
Snape pulled from Harry’s lap and snatched up his other vial and the cauldron before rising to his feet. Harry stood as well and brushed the loose fur from his robes. Harrison pointed to Snape’s hands. “No toys or baubles at the table.”
Snape let out a small hiss and Harrison gave Harry a significant look. This then would be his first foray into disciplining Snape. He could do this. It was like the first time Harry had had to interrogate a suspect. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, roughly grabbing Snape by the back of his neck. The man immediately let out a whimper.
“Severus,” Harry said sternly. “We are guests in Headmaster Evans’s home. We will abide by his rules. Now, give me your things and I will hold them. You may have them back after dinner.” Harry held out his hand and looked sternly at the defiant Neko. They stood staring at each other for several minutes before Snape let out a small whimper and placed his toys in Harry’s hand. Harry smiled at the pouting Neko and moved his hand up to scratch between the ears. “Good boy,” Harry said softly. “Now, let’s go eat.” Snape watched the toys disappear into Harry’s pocket before moving to follow Harrison through the door.
When they reached the dining room, the table was already filled with the kits Harry had seen earlier as well as three older kits that looked to be in their preteens. Snape immediately went to join the Nonee girl and Harrison placed a hand on Harry’s arm to stop him. “You did well, Mr. Potter. Mr. Snape clearly holds some respect for you.” Harry blushed slightly and Harrison raised his voice slightly. “Allow me to introduce you to my brood. Lily Prince is my second Nonee,” he indicated the girl. “You met her brother Damien earlier and the rest of their litter, Maggie and Sebastian. My oldests currently at home are Mikah, Melody, and Mather.” The three preteens gave small nods. “Everyone, this is Harry Potter and his Neko Severus Snape. Now, dinner.”
Harrison indicated the chair beside Snape and moved to his own chair, passing Lovey and pressing a kiss to the Neko’s head. Harry noticed an almost smug look on the Neko’s face as he watched Harrison move around the table to sit at the chair at the head of the table. Odd looking house elves appeared and began to place large concave plates filled with food at each of the place settings. Harry noticed that only he, Harrison, and Leelee received forks with their plates. When Harrison picked up his fork and began eating, Harry copied his movements, though he surreptitiously glanced around the table at the others.
Lovey and the kits held their plate/bowls at an angle and ate their food without the aid of utensils. Leelee and Harrison used their forks but as they finished, they lifted the plates and tipped the bowls to sip down the juices left over. Harry noticed Snape had no qualms in tipping the bowl and slurping up his food, so Harry tried not to feel like a heathen when he lifted his own plate and sipped up the juices. The sound of soft crunching and slurping filled the dining room, and Harry thought they probably didn’t hold many conversations over the dinner table. Dessert was a plate of biscuits served with a bowl of cream. Lovey and the kits gnawed on their biscuits and lapped at the cream while Harrison and Leelee dropped their biscuits in the cream and stirred it with their forks. Harry copied their movements and watched as the cream turned into something that resembled a thick chocolate pudding. Harry dipped his fork into the concoction and took a bite. It wasn’t chocolate, but it had a sweet taste and was actually rather good.
After dinner they were shown to a room that held a large bed with a smaller, circular bed next to it and a large bathing pool tucked in one corner. Harrison pointed out the water closet which held only a toilet and sink before showing Harry the folding screen that could be used to allow privacy for the bathing pool. Harry noticed Snape’s robes from earlier were already laid over the edge of the curved bed and Harry’s bag of purchases sat atop the bed along with a book. As soon as Harrison closed the door, Snape made his way over to the circular bed and crawled around on it before settling down on his side. Harry moved over to the man and pulled the items from his pocket. Snape eagerly watched as Harry returned his items and he immediately tucked them against his stomach before pulling the green vial out to play with it.
Leaving Snape to his baubles, Harry moved over to his borrowed bed and removed his own robe to reveal the trousers and tee beneath. He pulled his moke skin bag out and retrieved his trunk. He pulled out the robe Harrison had indicated earlier along with a small purse. He glanced at the book that had the silhouette of a Neko on the cover and placed the book on the nightstand by the bed. He began pulling his purchases out of the bag, setting the collar box on the table. He separated the other vials and green string from the payments intended for Nekos and the bag of stones Harrison had provided. He added a few gems from his stash to the pile, casting a hex to break up the large ruby. He added a tin of the biscuits and noticed Harrison had purchased other snacks as well. He added a few of those to the pile before reaching into the bag and pulling out a stack of clothes. He noticed the trousers were the same fabric as the ones Snape currently wore. Harry looked over the label on the clothing that stated they were for the “active Neko”, and Harry assumed that meant they were more comfortable than robes. Thinking of the way Snape had spent most of the time moving around on his hands and knees he could see how robes could be a hindrance. He pulled out a pair of the trousers along with a dark purple shirt and laid them aside for Snape to wear tomorrow. He packed the rest of the items away in his trunk and stuffed the pile of saved items into a small handbag Harrison had picked up. Satisfied that they were travel ready Harry turned his attention to his trunk and pulled out clean clothes. He stepped over to Snape and scratched gently between the ears.
“I’m going to take a bath,” he told the man when Snape looked up at him.
Snape held his vial up to show Harry. “Pretty.”
Harry smiled at the man. “Yes, very pretty. You can play with your pretty. I will be back soon.”
Snape didn’t give an answer other than to turn his attention back to his vial. Harry chuckled and moved over to the bathing pool. He placed his clothes on the stool near the pool and pulled a towel and flannel out of the cabinets that lined the wall. He also grabbed a bottle of body wash that indicated it was good for the hair as well and placed them beside the edge of the pool. He moved the screen to provide privacy though he doubted Snape would pull his attention away from his vial long enough to notice Harry bathing. He filled the pool as he stripped and slipped into the warm water. Harry spent a few minutes relaxing before he scrubbed himself clean and stepped from the bath. Once he was dressed in sleep pants and a shirt he pulled the screen back. He was correct. Snape hadn’t taken his eyes off the green vial. Harry smiled and made his way over to the bed. Once in bed Harry grabbed the book from the table and began to read.
Sometime later, the sound of running water pulled Harry from his reading and he looked up to see a very naked Neko Snape standing over the pool. Harry couldn’t pull his eyes from the lithe figure. Snape’s skin was porcelain white with a line of hair that trailed down from under his hairline, along the length of the man’s spine, and thickened at the base of the white tail. The long legs sported dark hair with small swirls of white every so often. Harry watched the man prepare his bath, entranced by the smooth movements of the man’s body as he rummaged through the cabinets for towels and, apparently, a basket of toys. From his reading, Harry knew Nekos were intelligent if sometimes shy creatures and were often extremely self sufficient and resourceful. They were also uninhibited creatures so Harry didn’t doubt Snape would forgo the use of the privacy screen.
Snape turned from the cabinets and Harry’s blood immediately rushed south at the sight of the patch of white hair and the limp pink cock that hung from the patch. It took Harry a moment to realise Snape’s stomach was covered in a thin layer of white fur. Harry had the vague thought that no wonder Snape was too enraptured by the vials with all that white fur. The sound of watery plops pulled Harry’s attention from ogling Snape’s body, and he saw a smile on the man’s face as he tossed another toy into the pool. Eventually Snape placed the toy basket down and stepped into the water. He immediately moved across the pool to run a finger down the green vial that rested on the tub’s edge. Snape moved away and began batting at the toys he had tossed in the tub. Harry watched him for several minutes before turning his attention back to his book.
When Harry felt his eyes getting heavy he placed the ribbon between the pages and looked up to see Snape still in the bath. His arms rested on the edge of the pool, head resting on them as he watched the green vial. Harry placed his book on the table.
“Severus. Bed time,” he told the Neko and Snape sent the toys flying back into the basket as he climbed out of the water. Harry licked his lips as water droplets slid down the pale skin. He closed his eyes and took a calming breath. When he opened them again Severus was drying off. He tossed the towel in the wicker laundry basket and bent over to scoop up his vial. Harry watched as the Neko moved over to his bed and climbed into it, completely naked. Harry noxed the lights and rolled over, forcing himself not to think about the naked man only a few feet away.
They were woken early the next morning by one of the curious-looking house elves who presented Harry with a plate of oddly colored eggs and a strip of some meat that had the familiar taste of bacon. Snape was presented with a bowl of thick cream which he ate greedily before rising from bed. After breakfast was cleared away Snape rose and dressed in the clothes Harry had laid out the evening before while Harry pulled on the green dress robes. He added a few rings to give the perception of wealth before stuffing the handbag in his pocket. Harry added Snape’s robe and the clothes from the night before which had been cleaned and returned to his trunk during the night. He didn’t doubt Snape had his own trunk stuffed in one of his robe pockets but didn’t feel comfortable going through the man’s things while he wasn’t thinking clearly. As he placed Snape’s robe in the trunk, Harry spotted the man’s wand and debated on handing it over. He glanced up to see Snape shaking the cauldron and smiling at the jingling noise and placed the wand carefully in his trunk. He didn’t think Snape was mentally capable of handling a wand right now.
Just as Harry was placing his shrunken trunk in his moke skin bag there was a knock at the door. Snape froze in playing with the cauldron and quickly reached down to snatch up his green vial. He held it tightly against his chest as if daring someone to try to take it. Harry thought the action sort of precious and went to answer the door. Harrison stood there holding out a ticket.
“I trust you slept well.” Harry nodded. “Here is your train ticket. I have already spoken to Policeman Prewitt and he is expecting you. You should arrive at the station just after lunch. I wish you luck and our portal is available for your return trip when you have located your dark wizard.”
Harry shook the man’s hand. “We thank you for your help, and please let your Lovey know we appreciate his help as well.”
“Thank you. There is a carriage waiting in the courtyard when you are ready to depart. I apologize that I am unable to see you out, but the school board is here for a meeting as we prepare for the new term.”
Harry nodded. “I understand. Severus and I can see ourselves out.” Harry glanced back to see Snape had turned his attention back to the cauldron, though he still had a hold of his vial. Harry turned back to say his goodbyes to Harrison and closed the door as the man walked away.
Harry slipped the ticket into his pocket and made a sweep of the room to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. “Severus,” the Neko looked up from his cauldron. “It is time to put your shoes on.” The Neko gave a nod and reluctantly sat down on his bed and placed his toys beside him as he bent to pull his boots on. Harry grabbed up the collar box and moved over to Snape. When Snape had his shoes on, Harry knelt down beside the man and held the box open. “You remember when Harrison told us you couldn’t go outside without a collar?” Snape gave a nod, and Harry flipped the box open. Snape’s eyes went wide and he reached a hand out to trace a finger over the row of gems.
“Pretty,” he said before lifting his head to expose his neck. Harry removed the collar and opened the clasp before carefully placing the collar around Snape’s neck. As soon as the collar snapped into place Snape jumped to his feet and raced to the water closet. By the time Harry found him Snape was running his fingers over the gems and looking in the mirror. He beamed at Harry. “Pretty. Mine”
Harry patted him on the back. “Yes. Yours. Now, we must go so we don’t miss our train. Where is your gold vial?”
Snape took one last look in the mirror before stepping back out into the room. He made his way over to the bed and picked up his remaining toys. Harry joined him. “Put your toys away, please.” Snape stuffed the cauldron and gold vial in his pocket but held the green vial clutched tightly in his hand.
“Mine,” he said pathetically and blinked at Harry. Harry let out a sigh.
“Okay. But make sure you hold onto it tightly.” Snape beamed at Harry and moved forward to bump his head against Harry’s shoulder. He nuzzled against Harry’s shoulder for a moment and Harry took the opportunity to inhale the sweet scent of the Neko. He patted the dark head. “It’s time to go, Severus.” Harry tucked the collar box into his pocket and they left the room, heading out of the castle.
The carriage dropped them off at the far end of town at the bustling train station. The ticket master took Harry’s ticket and waved him in. They made their way through the train car and settled in a seat, Snape taking the seat closest to the window. Harry glanced around as the car began to fill and noticed a wide variety of Nekos all sporting collars of various designs. A few couples had a gaggle of children that they led through the car and further back to another car. The couples settled down and Harry looked them over. He spotted a couple of Nekos sitting together, hands clasped as they faced each other, foreheads pressed together as they nuzzled their noses. Both sported matching collars and one of the Nekos was visibly breeding. Another couple moved into the seat across the aisle from Harry and they turned out to be a female couple of Nonees. They showed little affection in public, though they clearly cared for one another.
Almost as soon as the train began to move people became restless and started to move around as well. It was obvious some of the couples knew each other as they moved to converse. Harry saw a trio of Nekos gathered together showing off small baubles they held in their hand. Harry glanced at Snape but he was too busy looking out the window and clutching his own vial. Harry heard a small giggle and looked up to see a Neko with light brown ears peeking over the seat in front of them. She popped her head up to grin at Harry and he grinned back politely. Her cheeks went pink as she giggled and Harry saw a matching brown tail slide around the seat edge. Harry watched curiously as the tail snaked towards his ankle wondering about Harrison’s words from the night before. He looked up and, as the tail wrapped around his ankle, Harry realized the Neko had no collar.
Harry reared back at the sound of a loud hiss and sudden movement. The female Neko let out a cry and reared back as Snape lashed out at her. Harry realized what had happened and quickly grabbed at Snape. “Severus! No. Down,” he ordered and Snape pulled back. He glanced over at Harry and Harry could swear he saw hurt in the black eyes. Damn. He’d screwed up. Harry let out a sigh and spotted the green vial. He picked it up and held it up to Snape. Snape grabbed at the vial and climbed into Harry’s lap. Harry gave a small start at the unexpected gesture but understood when Snape turned his head and hissed at the female Neko. Harry sighed and began to scratch between the ears. Snape turned to bury his head against Harry’s stomach and let out a soft purr.
“I apologize if the Neko upset your mate, sir.” Harry looked up to see a conductor standing over him. “I am not sure what an unmated Neko was doing wandering the train, but we have returned her to her compartment.”
Harry nodded. “She is unharmed?” Harry enquired.
“Yes, sir,” the man reassured him.
“Good. My Severus can be a bit possessive.”
The conductor gave a small chuckle. “Aren’t they all? My Sally still pins me to the bed when I return from an overnight run and we’ve been bonded for ten years.” Harry smiled at the man as he moved on. Harry looked down to see Snape clutching his vial tightly against his chest. He pulled the book out and continued to read up on Nekos as he scratched absently at the soft fur. Halfway through their trip a lady came by with a trolley and Harry purchased a bowl of cream for Snape and a drink for himself. Harry passed a biscuit to the Neko as Snape moved back to his own seat. He tucked the vial carefully into his pocket and dug into his snack. Once his tummy was full, Snape curled up once more with his head in Harry’s lap and purred himself to sleep. Harry couldn’t help but enjoy this version of Snape and decided to take full advantage of the sweet attention while he could. No doubt Snape would wish to Obliviate him once they returned to their own dimension.
Harrison hadn’t been wrong, and, shortly after lunch, they pulled into a bustling train station. Snape stayed close to Harry as they followed the crowd from the train. They stepped out onto a platform and Harry looked around, wondering if he should attempt to seek out someone or-
“Mr. Potter?” Harry turned at the voice to see an older man with graying hair wearing a long dark blue robe. Only the ears on the top of his head gave any indication he was a Neko. He smiled at them. “Master Prewitt sent me to fetch you.”
“Oh good,” Harry said, relief evident in his voice. “Lead the way.”
The man led them out of the train station and to a waiting silver edged carriage. They climbed inside and Harry wasn’t surprised when Snape’s attention was immediately fixated on the framed box of colorful stones that hung on the carriage wall. The trip lasted a good half hour before they pulled into a long driveway. When the carriage came to a stop, Harry had to urge Snape away from the jeweled photo, and they stepped out into the afternoon sun, a shiver going down Harry’s spine at the sight of the Manor in which Hermione had once been tortured. The older Neko led them up the steps and opened the wide front door to usher them inside.
Harry took in the white marble foyer, the blue carpeted stairs leading up, and the bright light filtering down into the entryway.
“Hello. You must be Mr. Potter.” Harry turned at the deep voice and gaped at the sight of the redhead that stood in an open doorway, his crimson robes showing his buff figure to advantage. Blue eyes smiled politely and Harry blinked in surprise.
“Ron?”