Not Quite a Beauty; Not Quite a Beast

Author's Notes: : Part of the From Dusk till Dawn Severus Snape/Harry Potter Fuh-Q-Fest

Challenge: 'Life Moves On'

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Harry Potter and Severus Snape sat beside each other at the High Table and speculated on the sorting potential of the latest batch of first years. Their quiet conversation was no longer cause for alarm or even interest. The Potions Master and the Defense Master (Harry having entered teaching as a Hogwarts alumnus and publicly lauded hero with the second defeat of Voldemort) had settled their differences when Harry had first been awarded the position more than ten years earlier.

Of course, that settling had involved wands, physical blows, and everything short of the Unforgiveables. If Severus Snape occasionally found himself wondering at his position as Harry Potter's best friend (an otherwise unclaimed title as the young man lost both Ron and Hermione in the war), he admitted it to no one.

And while there was occasional speculation that they were more than friends, those were usually dispelled as the Defense Master dated freely and widely from both sexes.

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Severus opened the door to his private quarters and was greeted with the expected smiling visage of Harry Potter. He gave a sarcastic glance at the clock before remarking dryly, "No piece of ass to keep you busy, Potter?"

Harry elbowed his way into the suite and dropped inelegantly to the couch. "And ruin our ritual, surely you jest?"

The smirk was far more fetching on the younger man than the scowl adorning the older. Severus settled into his chair, handing over an already poured glass of scotch. Harry sipped, glorying in the silent admission that he had been expected. Since his second year teaching (as the first year they'd still been in the Hospital Wing recovering from their 'belligerent male posturing' as Minerva had termed it), they had been meeting in the Potions Master's quarters on the first Friday of term to compare notes about the students.

Harry gave Severus a few minutes to enjoy his solitude before he began his practiced routine to draw out actual conversation.

"Have you found this year's Neville yet?"

The Potions Master snorted. While the exacting man would accept any ingredient grown by the Herbology expert, it was well known that he would not permit the man to even enter the hallway containing the Potions labs and classrooms.

"There was not far to look. His spawn had her first lesson in my class today. I would have previously sworn that unadulterated water was not flammable."

Harry snickered. "Her first lesson with me is Monday. If Raina takes after Neville and Luna, I'll have an easier time than you will."

Severus challenged the younger man with a look. "I heard about that incident with the transfer student."

"The Malfoy cousin? Well, Albus did tell me I could duel the seventh years in lieu of detention."

"I highly doubt our esteemed Headmaster intended for you to hospitalize a student."

"I gave the brat a choice… He chose poorly."

The Potions Master was able to avoid snickering only through the strength of his self-control. "What action of his raised your ire?"

"He was attempting to cast Morsmordre. I thought it was rather generous of me to offer a week's detention."

"He chose instead to be hexed senseless?"

Harry shrugged. "Eventually they'll all learn that I keep living due to more than luck."

They passed the remainder of the evening in casual conversation about the promising and problematic among their young charges.

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It was the afternoon of the Hogsmeade visit before Halloween when Severus and Harry next managed to meet for more than a quick gripe over a meal in the Great Hall. Severus had not been expecting his younger colleague and absorbed himself in brewing to combat the ills associated with the gluttony of the upcoming Halloween Feast.

At the sharp rap on his laboratory door, he barked, "Enter."

He continued to work, before stopping at the silence of whichever student had been reckless enough to interrupt him. Spotting Harry sitting calmly on a stool, he frowned. The frown deepened as he recognized the meaning of the bright red handprint on the younger man's face.

Stabilizing the potion for later completion before stripping off his laboratory over-robe, Severus hunted down a small jar of a mild bruise salve. He handed it to the other wizard before ushering him into his personal quarters through a hidden, warded door.

Harry settled himself in a chair, applying the salve with the help of a small, conjured mirror, as the Potions Master ordered tea from the house elves. When the Defense Master had been handed a cup and Severus seated himself in the matching chair, the older man finally spoke in a tired voice.

"Who was she this time?"

"Jean-Marie. I mixed up my schedule and took her to the restaurant where Paul works."

Severus shook his head. Harry forestalled the comment with a hand before prodding gently at the progress the salve had made with his cheek.

"I've already heard it. Minerva gave me hell over my 'licentious conduct unbecoming a Hogwarts professor.'"

From the roll of his eyes, it seemed the speech hadn't sunk in.

"So I'm done with women, and men, for awhile. No more playing around. I'm going to find someone I can care deeply for and settle down."

Severus snorted doubtfully as he sipped his tea. After a brief moment of comfortable and companionable silence, Harry spoke again.

"What about you?"

"To what do you refer?"

"When are you going to settle down?

The Potions Master frowned and settled his cup in his hands. "I am quite content in my life."

"But don't you want someone? Another body for cold nights, a family for the future?"

"While I am not yet in my dotage, I am older and set in my ways. I am satisfied with my current situation."

Harry scowled. "But I'm the only one who visits you. Sure you're nearly fifty, but you're not that bad and we can clean you up a bit."

The younger wizard didn't notice the irritated set to the mouth until it was far too late.

"Now I didn't mean it like that."

"As you have decided to be insulting and crass, you may go now."

"Severus."

Harry met the determined dark eyes and decided to yield the ground. He was well aware that trying to explain immediately after he'd put his foot in his mouth was a lost cause.

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It was at the Halloween Feast that Harry next confronted his colleague. Dropping a pentagonal card next to the Potions Master's plate, Harry remarked, "I'd never read your Chocolate Frog card."

Severus sneered at the text and empty picture window before disintegrating it with a wandless, 'Incendio.'

Harry couldn't resist the chuckle and the other professors relaxed at this sign of peace anew between their fellows. "You shouldn't have done that. I understand it's quite collectible."

"I suppose you have one of your own?"

"There's two of me, actually. A 'Boy Who Lived' and a 'Harry Potter,' never seen either and don't care to if they think it's two different people. But this was about you."

Severus sneered as he began on his dinner. Harry, accustomed to this style of conversation, was unperturbed. "I didn't know you were Veela."

"Half only."

"But, still…"

His continuance was interrupted. "Later, Potter."

Harry arched a brow in inquiry. The Potions Master grumbled under his breath, but nodded sharply. "I agree to discuss this, but not in the Great Hall."

After dinner had been completed, Harry and Severus relocated their conversation to the Potions Master's quarters. Harry noted a few speculative glances from the students in the short course of their walk. He shrugged them off; knowing the latest rounds of rumors would disappear soon enough.

Seated once again in what he'd come to think of as his armchair, Harry asked curiously, "Why don't we ever talk in my suite?"

"Your decorating taste leaves much to be desired."

"You're just prejudiced against Gryffindor."

"Would you be comfortable here if my sitting room resembled the Slytherin Common Room?"

"No, I suppose not."

Severus handed Harry a belled brandy snifter before sitting opposite him. "As you are determined to pry into my personal affairs, ask."

"You're half Veela?"

"Yes."

"How's that possible?"

"My mother was a Veela and conceived from my father's seed."

Harry coughed at the mocking sarcasm and bald statement. "Not quite what I meant. There's the Delacours. They're all pale, yes. But you're dark and austere and they're so very…."

He spotted the foot before he shoved it in his mouth this time. "…blonde."

Severus smirked, lips twisted in irritation at himself, having clearly heard the unspoken 'beautiful' that had originally substituted for blonde in that sentence. "What do you know about Veela?"

Harry smiled as he sipped his drink. "That they're gorgeous one minute and not when you piss them off?"

The Potions Master rolled his eyes. "I assume as they have neither fangs, claws, or deadly poison that they were never covered in Care of Magical Creatures?"

"Nope."

Severus sighed. "A true Veela is a hermaphrodite and capable of independent reproduction. While pure Veela always appear outwardly to be female, those of mixed blood are only typically female."

Harry nodded his understanding so that Severus would continue.

"A mixed blood Veela that is born female will always retain the deceptive façade as her natural appearance. Thus the Delacours… A mixed blood born male will retain the true Veela appearance."

The green-eyed wizard frowned. "So you're stuck being labeled as Hogwarts' 'greasy git' because wizards are idiots when it comes to magical creatures?"

Severus inclined his head in agreement.

"Some of the more violently-inclined races were included in the studies for my Defense Mastery, but I don't remember anything about Veela. Is anything inherited other than looks?"

"Mating habits."

Harry smirked. "Mating habits? Does that mean you're a hermaphrodite?"

Severus glared at the younger wizard, adding a sneer for emphasis. "No, Potter. Veela descendants mate for life and identify their mate by scent."

"So the large nose has a use?"

Harry burst into laughter at the combination of stunned irritation and appalled horror on his companion's face. When he'd settled down, placing aside his glass, he focused on the point of his questions. "Now we just need to find you people to sniff until you find your mate."

The consternation was clear across the Potions Master's features. "Why this sudden obsession with my life?"

"I'm trying to help you."

"You're attempting to have me conform to your idea of what a person should want and I don't appreciate it."

Harry stopped, actually thinking about his intentions. "If there's one perfect person out there for you, wouldn't you want them?"

The young Gryffindor never noticed when his Slytherin companion sidestepped the question. "Biological or magical compatibility is no indicator of a satisfactory outcome."

"You're such a grump. If I had one true mate, nothing would stop me from finding them."

Severus admired the light that the fantasy brought to the other wizard's face. He found himself unable to crush that dream of belonging with his usual cynicism. "Locating my mate is not the difficulty. I've known their identity for nearly thirty years."

Harry stared at the other man in disbelief. "Why haven't you done anything about it? They're not a troll, are they?"

It was the first time Harry had seen anything he could term 'wistful' on the controlled face.

"He is particularly alluring, but mating instinct aside he is not to be mine."

The crease in Harry's brow deepened. "You know who it is and you've done nothing."

"Precisely."

"But it's not that difficult. You just approach them and say…"

"What drivel would you have me spout?"

Harry gave a quick glare but was caught in his idea. "Say… The fates have called me to you and I burn to possess you."

The Potions Master snorted. "Potter, the fates have called me to you and I burn to possess you."

Harry only laughed. "Okay, I get the point. It sounds ridiculous and I'll back off."

The younger man rose from his seat in a smooth, thoughtless motion, unknowingly showcasing the beauty of youth and grace. "Enjoy your weekend, Severus."

As Harry left the room, he never looked behind the bland façade of the Potions Master to see the pain. And when the silence closed in around the older man, he proceeded to get thoroughly and completely intoxicated.

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The term passed, as terms tend to do. Despite the opinions of the students, professors were very busy persons. For each assignment completed by a student, there were dozens of copies of it for the professor to grade.

While Harry and Severus continued their usual mealtime conversations, there was little time for more intensive socializing. Just as the start of term tradition, the pair had always met on the first day of the winter holiday. With Harry usually off spending his break with friends, it gave them a change to exchange the season's greetings.

This year fell into the norm as the Potions Master received an obscure and rare ingredient from the Defense Master. Harry, opening his own box, gasped. "Severus?"

The older wizard met the younger's gaze as he pulled the heavy silver ring from its wrapping. At the visible confusion, the Potions Master chose to explain.

"There are protections tied to the metal that you may find helpful on your ridiculous errand."

Harry lost his smile. "The Headmaster told you?"

"As I will be assisting in the coverage of your classes while you gallivant about India, of course."

"They need my help."

Severus scowled despite his usual evenness of temper during student breaks. "And it always must be Harry Potter to the rescue."

"If it's a basilisk, as they suspect, I'm the only known Parseltongue."

The Potions Master simply shrugged. "Go then and attempt not to die."

Even Harry could feel the awkwardness of the parting. He slipped the ring onto his finger as he stepped out the door, leaving behind a simple, "Thank you."

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When the students returned from their winter holiday and Harry Potter was gone, there was little alarm. It was hardly the first time that the Defense Master had been asked to solve a special problem.

When winter edged into spring and he had yet to return, rumors started as they usually did. But rumors were easily ignored.

The students were no longer limited to rumor when the Potions Master collapsed in class. Mid-rant at Miss Longbottom, he'd simply taken a gasping breath and crumbled.

Poppy Pomfrey, for all her medical skill, was helpless. "Albus, I don't even know what's wrong, much less what treatment to provide."

The Headmaster stood with the Hospital Matron in the private room more often occupied by the Defense Master than the Potions Master. This time it was certainly Snape lying limp and pallid against the crisp sheets. Albus looked upon the unconscious man, concern coloring his blue eyes with a storm.

"Then we must ask him."

Despite her worries, Poppy enervated her patient. Severus awoke with a sob and his body stiffened as he began to mumble, "He's dead," in a repetitive, defeated rhythm.

Albus moved to his side, forcing the dark-haired wizard to meet his eyes. "Severus, what happened?"

The onyx gaze was imprecise, unfocused. The mumble changed only to add new words. "The ring… He's dead…"

Despair touched the Headmaster's features and he laid a hand on the Potions Master's forehead. "Sleep."

The magical impulsion behind the word dropped the beleaguered patient back into blissful unconsciousness. Albus directed Poppy from the room and settled them in her office with tea before answering her questions.

"It is entirely probable that Harry is dead."

The medi-witch gasped, setting her cup down suddenly on her desk. "Albus, any fool could see that Severus' been in love with him for years. But that doesn't explain…"

The Headmaster shook his head. "Before Harry left, Severus gave him his family ring."

"I didn't know they'd even recovered it from Godric's Hollow."

"They did. It was our first way of knowing Harry had survived. When Severus realized that Lily was carrying his mate, she wore it. Then, when the child was born, it was with him at all times until that night."

Poppy had pulled a handkerchief from the folds of her apron. "Shouldn't he have given it back to him years ago?"

"The ring, though powerful, is a pale imitation of the true magic of a Veela bond. I believe Severus gave him the ring because he'd given up hope of being accepted. And now to lose Harry…"

The Headmaster stopped to attend to his own tea, emotion having clogged his throat. Poppy shook her head, grasping for possibilities. "It's possible that Harry just took it off."

"No, the only time Severus would have received such a shock was if the ring remained on dead flesh."

It was silent in the office before the medi-witch was able to again focus on her patient. "What can I do for him?"

"Nothing. The shock of the loss will send him into a magical coma. Without family to reach him, he will fade away."

"Albus, I cannot accept that. Maybe St. Mungo's…"

"Severus will remain here, this has been and will remain his home. St. Mungo's cannot provide him any help. If you wish to have hope, then we can try to extend his life and wish that somehow there has been a terrible mistake."

But the Potions Master did slip into a coma. And despite the talents of Madame Pomfrey, he began to waste away.

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It was a warm, wet night when a tired figure stumbled home. Hogwarts had been the only place he'd ever truly considered home. But lately his mind didn't bring forth images of his cozy red and gold quarters. His mind remembered the spartan dungeon domain of the Potions Master as home.

Triggering the wards with his own special password, Harry eased quietly into the stark sitting room. No fire welcomed him and no fiery temper greeted his unannounced arrival. The warmth was quickly brought with a spell. With a glance at the closed bedroom door, Harry assumed that Snape was deep in his fury over the long absence.

Finally feeling safe and secure, he fell into a deep sleep on the couch. With morning came awareness and Harry stretched carefully. The aches and pains of his injuries were mostly gone. Even the tenderness of his left hand was much reduced.

Needing the reassurance of contact, even through a ritual ranting critique, Harry knocked at the still closed bedroom door. "Severus?"

When he received no answer, he eased it open. The room was neat and had the feeling of disuse. Harry frowned, slipping back into his shoes to seek out answers. It didn't take long to come across a pair of students gossiping in an alcove.

"I'm telling you, Snape's dead."

Harry had been so unprepared for the sheer physical pain of that overheard statement that he froze, hunching slightly.

"I heard he's in the hospital wing."

"For three weeks? After collapsing in class? No way."

If asked to explain himself, Harry could not have done so. He began to run, determined to have his answers and ignoring the shock on the faces of the students he passed.

When he burst into the Infirmary, Madame Pomfrey looked up in amazement from the first year she was treating. "Harry?"

The doubt and mixed relief in her voice caused him to pause. "Where's Professor Snape?"

The matron quickly dismissed the student and took his arm in a firm grip. "Come into my office and I'll call the Headmaster."

Despite his best efforts, Harry was not receiving any responses from the oddly behaving medi-witch. Then Albus arrived and the aged wizard pulled him into an immediate hug. Harry returned the embrace, but finally drew back with his confusion still evident.

"What's going on here and where's Severus?"

The younger wizard refused tea and sweets as the Headmaster delayed. Finally, the older man spoke in response to his insistent and continued inquiries. "That is difficult to explain at the moment."

"Why?"

"Harry, what happened to you?"

Harry slumped in his chair, knowing he'd be told nothing until he went along with Albus. "I was working with the Punjab Ministry. It was a basilisk, by the way. When we tracked it down, there was also a wizard cult involved. I killed the basilisk but not until after it had bitten off my hand. By the time I was recovered enough, it was faster to come back than send an owl."

Poppy interrupted. "Were you wearing the ring Severus gave you?"

He frowned at the odd question, but answered. "Yeah but I lost it when the basilisk took that hand."

The Headmaster nodded to himself and Harry grew more frustrated. "Now where is Severus?"

Poppy took pity on the young man. "He's in your usual private room."

Harry was out of the chair and office before anyone could react. He flung open the door to the private room from the main ward only to step inside with a last minute hesitation. "Severus?"

His voice was uncertain and unheard by the Potions Master in his coma. Harry absently registered that the Headmaster had joined him and closed the door as he stepped to the bed. Severus was exceedingly still, gaunt and gray against the crisp white linens.

The green-eyed wizard grazed a fragile hand with his fingers before drawing back at the chill. "What happened?"

"It's a magical coma, induced by the shock of believing his mate had died."

"His mate died?"

"No, but he had good reason to believe so."

Harry turned to the Headmaster, grief gathering in his features. "Tell me, please."

Albus sighed. "What do you know of Severus' Veela nature?"

"He'll mate for life and has already identified the person."

"It is slightly more complicated. The statement that a Veela mates for life is quite literal. Believing that his mate was dead, his magic began to shut down. That Poppy has been able to keep him alive for three weeks is quite remarkable."

"He told me he wouldn't approach his mate. Why would he take that risk?"

"It is quite possible that he believed he would be refused. Casual contact would be enough to sustain his life. A clear rejection would have made him chronically ill."

"But you said his mate's alive. We have to find them and get them to help."

"It's too late, Harry."

"No! I refuse to accept that."

The liquid that had been sparkling in the young man's eyes slipped free, painting tracks on his face. "There has to be a way to save him."

"There may be…"

"What? If it requires his mate, then I will find them and they will cooperate." For a moment, it was very clear that, despite his youth, Harry was a rival for the Headmaster in sheer power.

"His mate would have to be bound to him. The act is deeper than marriage and would bind the mate's life to Severus in the way that Severus is bound to his mate."

"How do I find his mate?"

In response, Albus held out a small object. Harry took it without a glance or hesitation. When he saw that it was a small hand mirror, he looked up in confusion. At the expression on the Headmaster's face, he finally understood.

"Why didn't he tell me?" It was a plaintive whisper torn from the Defense Master's very soul.

"Your romantic liaisons have been varied and widespread, but your partners were always beautiful."

Harry winced. Reaching out, he traced an index finger down the sharp nose. "He's not beautiful, no. He's home."

Albus nodded silently.

"Why did he believe I was dead?"

"When a Veela cannot have their mate, a charmed piece of jewelry is used to maintain the required level of contact."

"His ring was on my left hand when I lost it."

"And the magic signaled to him, through the touch of dead flesh, that you were gone."

Harry had rested his hand on top of the unresponsive, cold fingers . "How do I save him?"

When he looked up, Albus gestured to a book on a chair in the corner. "The information is marked. Harry, you must be certain. It would be a great loss for Severus to pass from us. But if you do not truly return his emotions, then the process will take you as well."

The younger man nodded. "Is it just the instinct, or did he really want me?"

"Severus has changed for no one in his life… except for you…"

"Can I have a moment?"

The Headmaster slipped from the room and Harry warded the door and walls heavily. Taking the book from the chair, he began to read.

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Although Harry had absorbed the applicable sections, he found himself dissatisfied with the vagueness. At the same time, he didn't have the luxury of time for extensive research. Overwhelming all else was the idea of consent…

And for consent, he needed Severus awake.

Harry approached the single bed, hesitant. He had looked within himself and found that he could not accept losing Severus. In this, he would find not only his friend, but that devoted mate he'd been searching for so futilely.

A quick spell was successful in widening the bed for his comfort. Harry sat next to the still figure and reached out. Accustoming himself to Severus through touch, he leaned in to kiss the lax lips. With his breath and warmth of life, he fed the other man his magic. The power flowed from Harry, spilling sweetly into the orifice and forcing awareness.

The deep, gasping breath had Harry drawing back and biting his lip nervously.

"Harry."

The usual tone was absent, the Potions Master's voice a pale imitation of itself. But for Harry, hearing his name from those lips, it was a precious gift. He smiled at the warmth in the black eyes.

"Severus… you could have told me."

Even weakened, the other wizard could close himself off. Harry could no longer read the warmth and love in the dark eyes.

"There was nothing to tell, Potter."

The younger man winced at the sudden distance between them. "Severus."

He was unable to speak further as the Potions Master interrupted, his voice and brief consciousness fading. "I'm so pleased to know you live, that I could see you one last time."

Harry clutched at the weak shoulders but Severus had already slipped back into unconsciousness. The rush of power that had permitted the contact was simply not sufficient when his body and magic needed so much more.

The Defense Master stretched out, curling into the lean, lax body on the bed. He clung to the still form, face buried in the crook of shoulder and neck.

"You can't go, Severus. I won't let you leave me like this. Damn it all, I love you."

As Harry fought not to weep, his agile and inventive mind provided a solution. The magic didn't require consciousness. All it needed was consent and a sexual act.

He relaxed against the unresponsive arm, draping his own across Severus' chest as he settled more completely. Brushing his lips over the sharp line of jaw in the faintest of caresses, Harry reached into his companion with a whispered, "Legilimens."

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Harry arched into the caress and the body above his with a strained whimper. Severus chuckled darkly at the wordless begging, bending his head to nip lightly at neck and jaw.

The tense sexual pleasure caused Harry to lift his hips again, seeking contact. With a moan, the Potions Master lowered his body the last scant distance to bring their erections into contact. Begging more adroitly, Harry groaned.

"Severus, please. I need you."

Severus stilled, waiting until emerald met onyx. "Mil… Obicham… Lyobov."

The youthful face showed confusion at the unrecognized, foreign words. His expression of consternation melted into ecstasy as a slim hand drifted down his body to tease at his entrance.

Severus continued to murmur in his ear, a language he didn't recognize but vaguely recalled to him the Triwizard Tournament of years ago. But then all cognizant though fled as Severus' thick heat replaced his fingers.

The Potions Master slid smoothly into Harry's body as if they were made for each other - and perhaps they had been. Recognition sparked in the onyx eyes as they lay locked together in pleasure.

"Harry?"

Harry could only groan and urge movement. "Severus, please. Now… I need you with me."

The glint of pleased shock never really faded from the older wizard's face as he began to thrust. They moved together, reaching for release and something else.

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Harry was jolted from Severus' mind, uncomfortably aware of the spreading damp in the front of his boxers and the rough texture of his trousers. He squirmed at the sensation, a movement halted by a quelling hand spread lightly on his back.

Pulling his head up, Harry's jade eyes met clear, focused onyx. "Severus."

The Potions Master doubted he had ever heard his name spoken with such pure joy. Then again, there was much within him that doubted. "Harry, why?"

The younger wizard only smiled. "You've been my all for years. I'm sorry I had to come so close to losing you to realize that."

Severus frowned, but the expression was gently soothed away by the touch of callused hands.

"Don't, Severus. I love you."

With fingers that he damned for their temporary weakness, the Potions Master drew his mate back to rest against his chest. He twitched slightly at the discomfort of his own undergarments beneath the sheets. "Rest, my Harry."

In their mate's grasp, it was the first truly peaceful rest for either of them in years.

Finis

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