FIC: Observing the Festvities [Snape/Harry - PG-13]
Title: Observing the Festvities
Author/Artist: alisanne
Pairing(s): Severus Snape/Harry Potter, Ron Weasley/Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom/Luna Lovegood, Dean Thomas/Ginny Weasley
Prompt: Severus plans to propose to Harry on Christmas Eve, but he can't seem to get him alone.
Word Count/Art Medium: ~2300
Rating: PG-13
Contains (Highlight to view): * A wee bit of snogging and banter.*
Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Thanks, as always, to J and M for beta-reading, and to the mods for allowing me the opportunity to once again participate in this lovely fest. Happy Holidays, everyone!
Summary: Despite being warned by Harry that his home would be a madhouse on Christmas eve, Severus decides to brave it anyway.
***
Observing the Festivities
***
Swallowing hard, Severus approached the door of Harry’s cottage. The lights were on, and he could see all the festive details, including the Christmas tree that was decorated and stood before the bay window. It looked warm, inviting, a lot like Harry himself. Reaching into his pocket, Severus touched the velvet box he’d been carrying around for three months, sighing.
After the war, Harry had decided that Grimmauld Place wasn’t for him, so he’d bequeathed it to Andromeda and Teddy before moving to Godric’s Hollow, into his parents’ old cottage.
It had taken a lot of work to bring the place back to a habitable state, work which Harry had seemed to enjoy. He must have, since that was when he decided to go into wizarding architecture, Severus thought, admiring the small, architectural details Harry had added to the place. He’s certainly made it his own.
Actually, there was something of Severus in the house, too. By the time Harry had started rebuilding, they had been dating, and Harry had asked Severus’ opinion about almost every aspect of the process. Severus had taken it as a sign that his opinion was important to Harry, that he was important.
Squaring his shoulders, Severus knocked. The door opened almost immediately. “Severus!” Beaming, Harry pulled him inside. “Merlin, it’s freezing. Why didn’t you Floo?”
How to explain that he’d needed to walk? That it felt only proper that on this night of all nights he come as a supplicant to Harry’s door? Severus smiled. “I felt like taking a walk.”
Harry’s smile softened. “Well it’s good to see you. I was beginning to worry that you’d decided not to come tonight.” He pulled Severus close. “After all, it can get a bit mad here during the holidays, especially Christmas Eve.”
Severus hummed. “So you’ve warned me. Is anyone else here?”
“Not yet.”
“You’re sure I should be here?” Severus looked around. “Won’t your friends be surprised to see me?”
“Not at all.” Harry smiled. “They know how I feel about you.” He leaned in. “So, what shall we do while we wait?”
As Harry pulled him towards the living room with its inviting sofas, Severus raised an eyebrow. “It seems to me that you’ve already answered that question.”
Laughing, Harry drew him down onto sumptuous cushions. “Are you objecting?” he asked.
“Certainly not,” Severus murmured, covering Harry’s body with his own. “I’m no fool.”
Kissing Harry was like being enveloped in light, warmth. Severus pressed closer, sliding his tongue inside Harry’s mouth, moaning as Harry’s hands slid over his sensitive body, exploring all the places that made Severus gasp and shiver. No other lover had ever cherished Severus as much as Harry did and there was a part of Severus that expected Harry’s regard and care to be torn from him some day.
“You’re thinking too hard,” Harry whispered against Severus’ lips, pulling him back to the moment. “You worry too much.”
And Harry didn’t worry nearly enough, Severus knew. I suppose I worry enough for both of us, he decided, gathering Harry to him. He had just managed to undo Harry’s flies when the Floo sounded.
“Harry?” Hermione’s penetrating voice filled the room.
Harry, who had been nuzzling Severus’ neck and arching up against him, groaned. “My friends have horrible timing.”
“Are you there, Harry?”
“Yes!” Pressing an apologetic kiss on the corner of Severus’ mouth, Harry wriggled out from under him and stood, adjusting himself as he walked. “Yes, Hermione, I’m here.”
“Oh, good.” Hermione Weasley’s face appeared in the fireplace. Looking past Harry, her eyes met Severus’ and she coughed. “Oh, if it’s a bad time I can--”
“No, it’s fine.” Harry cleared his throat. “It’s getting late and I know you don’t like to keep the kids up. Are you coming now?”
“Yes--” Hermione started to say.
“Let’s hope so since we certainly aren’t,” Severus murmured, only loudly enough for Harry to hear.
Harry choked. “See you in a minute, Hermione,” he managed, cutting off the rest of her reply. Closing the Floo connection, he turned to glare at Severus. “That was evil.”
Severus smirked. “Slytherin, remember?”
Harry snorted. “As if I could forget.” He shook his head. “And would you please stop trying to make Rose one, too? Ron’s nervous enough about her going to Hogwarts in a few years and ending up anywhere but Gryffindor.”
Severus shrugged. “Mr Weasley should know that one cannot change a child’s innate inclinations. Ms Weasley will be Sorted appropriately, I assure you.”
“Mmm hm.” Harry, looking unconvinced, started towards Severus. “Just...maybe we shouldn’t discuss Hogwarts at all, hm? At least not while Ron’s here?”
“Fine with me,” Severus said, rising as Harry approached. Reaching out, he adjusted out the wrinkles in his jumper. “There, now you don’t look freshly tousled.”
Harry grinned. “Shame, since I am freshly tousled.” The Floo sounded and, sighing, he spun to greet his guests. “Happy Christmas, everyone! Hello, Rose! My, what a big girl you are. And hey, Hugo--”
Severus hung back, watching Harry interact with the children. He was a natural with them, knowing exactly what to say and how to get them to relax. Severus, on the other hand, was awkward around children that he wasn’t instructing. He would do so well with children of his own, perhaps I shouldn’t propose. I could be the one standing in the way of his having children--
“...Mister Snape?”
Wincing, Severus looked down to see Rose Weasley looking up at him. “Miss Weasley. Good evening.”
Rose giggled. “It’s not just evening, it’s Christmas!”
Severus smiled, relaxing. “Indeed, you are correct. Are you excited for tomorrow?”
“Uh huh.” Rose grasped his hand, tugging Severus towards the Christmas tree. “St Nicholas is coming to our house and I have presents under Uncle Harry’s tree, too, see?”
As Rose proudly displayed the gifts she’d spotted that has her name on them, Severus glanced over, watching Harry play with Hugo as the child’s indulgent parents gazed on in adoration.
As if sensing his regard, Harry looked up, smiling as he saw Severus staring. Their eyes locked, heated. Harry’s lips parted...
“Mummy and Daddy look at each other like that, too,” said Rose, her tone matter-of-fact. “That’s when I know I need to take Hugo and play with him for a while so they can have cuddle time.”
Severus coughed, dragging his gaze from Harry. “Is that so?”
“Mmhm.” Rose nodded. “Do you and Uncle Harry need me to take him now so you can have cuddle time?”
Resisting the urge to accept her offer, Severus said, “That won’t be necessary. Perhaps you should enjoy some of these shortbread biscuits instead--”
Crisis successfully navigated, Severus finally managed to ply Rose with eggnog and biscuits before returning her to her parents. Hugo, in the meantime, had fallen asleep. “Time for us to go,” Hermione declared. “Before he wakes up again.”
Rose, who by then was yawning, didn’t argue as her father picked her up to carry her through the Floo. “Happy Christmas, Mister Snape, Uncle Harry,” she whispered into her father’s shoulder.
After Harry hugged him, being careful not to wake Hugo, he turned to face Hermione, leaning in to say something to her.
Ronald, who was waiting for his wife, inclined his head towards Severus. “And I hope we see you tomorrow at the Burrow,” he said quietly. “Mum especially would love to see you.”
Severus blinked. “It was my understanding that the event is just for immediate family.”
Ronald smiled. “It is.” And, spinning, he headed for the Floo, leaving Severus staring after him.
“Happy Christmas,” said Hermione before she, too, disappeared in the Floo.
With the children gone, the room was quiet. “You’re good with kids,” Harry said, handing Severus a goblet of wine.
Severus raised an eyebrow. “Hardly. You, however, seem to be a natural.” He examined the contents of his cup. “You’d do well with a brood of your own.”
“I do well with you,” Harry said, clasping Severus’ arm. Severus looked up at him. “And we could probably manage with some children.”
Severus’ eyes widened. They hadn’t openly discussed their future, but it was the perfect opening to the topic Severus had been wanting to discuss all evening. “Harry--”
“Hello? Is anyone home?”
Harry looked over Severus’ shoulder, smiling in welcome. “Andromeda! And Teddy! Hello! Happy Christmas.”
Exhaling, Severus spun in time to see Andromeda Tonks come out of the Floo, pulling Teddy Lupin’s hand. Taking a sip of his wine, Severus quashed his impatience. It was Christmas Eve, and Harry had warned him it would be busy.
“Hello, Mithter Thnape,” Teddy lisped.
“Happy Christmas, Teddy,” replied Severus.
Teddy ran to Harry, burying his face in Harry’s pant leg. Harry smiled, patting his head.
“Andromeda,” Severus said, suppressing his automatic shudder as he turned in her direction. Her similarities to Bellatrix often made it difficult for Severus to relax around her.
“Severus.” Andromeda inclined her head, her eyes wary. “It’s so good to see you. Harry said you might be here.”
“Did he?” Severus glanced at Harry, who had bent down to chat with Teddy. Teddy’s hair colour was oscillating between green and red and he was giggling.
Andromeda coughed. “That’s his holiday look, or so he says.”
“Indeed. Very festive,” Severus deadpanned.
Andromeda laughed. Expression open, she hesitated for a moment before touching his arm lightly. “Severus, I know we have never been close, but I know that Harry cares for you, so whatever it is that I may have done to offend you, I hope we can put it behind us for his sake since we’re quite close and he and Teddy are practically family.”
Severus sighed. “I have nothing against you personally, Andromeda. You simply remind me of my...misspent youth.”
Andromeda blinked, then smiled ruefully. Severus saw a flash of understanding in her eyes. “Ah yes. I still get looks from people when I go out in public, actually. Still, I’m told I’m sufficiently different from my sister that no one believes I’m her after a few seconds.”
Severus nodded. “That is indeed true,” he conceded. “And I apologise if I have seemed distant.” He watched as Teddy led Harry over to the Christmas tree and began pointing out his favourite ornaments. “And I am quite fond of Teddy myself.”
“I can tell.” Andromeda smiled. “So, what is there to drink around here?”
Severus had just poured her some mulled wine when the Floo sounded again and Luna Lovegood, hand-in-hand with Neville Longbottom, stepped into the room.
After handing Andromeda her wine and greeting the newcomers politely, Severus retreated to the corner to observe the proceedings. He watched the way Luna and Neville chatted with Andromeda, the way Teddy relaxed around them, and when Ginevra Weasley-Thomas and her husband arrived with their twins, Fabian and Gideon, Severus retreated to the kitchen.
Within minutes, Harry found him. “What’s wrong?” he asked, sidling up to him and placing a hand on Severus’ shoulder.
Severus sighed. After seeing Harry with his friends and, honestly, his family, he wasn’t so sure that there was room for him in Harry’s life. “Nothing’s wrong.” Moving away from Harry, he started for the door. “I should be going--”
“Severus.” Harry’s voice was soft, and despite his best intentions, Severus turned to look at him. The look of hurt in Harry’s eyes almost drove Severus to his knees. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“You have so many people who care about you, who have adopted you as family, who lo--” Severus exhaled. “I had hoped that perhaps--”
Taking two quick steps, Harry grasped Severus’ hands. “Hoped that what?”
“That there could be space for me in your life, but--”
“You’re already a part of my life. The most important part, to be honest.” Harry shook his head. “Why do you think I wanted you to love this place as much as I do? I was hoping we could both live here together. Please don’t go.”
Severus closed his eyes. “How can I go now? You always make doing the right thing impossible--” His words were cut off by Harry’s mouth pressing against his.
Moaning, Severus found himself being backed against a wall, his arms full of Harry. Their mouth met, fused, separated and then joined again. And by the time Harry drew back once more, Severus was panting, clinging to Harry, unwilling to let him go. Burying his face in Harry’s neck, he whispered, “I was going to ask you a question tonight, an important one, but perhaps another time--”
“Oh no you don’t.” Pulling back, Harry stared into Severus’ eyes. “Ask me.”
Trembling, Severus reached into his pocket, his fingers closing over the box. “Would you like to make this official?” he croaked out from a tight throat. “Make us official?”
Harry’s mouth dropped open and before Severus could withdraw the question he whooped loudly, throwing his arms around Severus’ neck. “Yes!”
Severus sagged against the wall, closing his eyes in relief even as he cradled Harry in his arms. And, distantly, from outside the door, came clapping.
“About time!” someone cried, (Severus thought it was Ginevra).
Harry chuckled. “Bloody busybodies.” Raising his head, he shouted, “Shut it, you lot!”
“Congratulations!” Severus recognised Andromeda’s voice. “We’ll just be leaving you to it, then. See you both tomorrow at the Burrow!” And a moment later there could be heard the whoosh of multiple Floo exits.
“I’d better lock it down before someone else decides to show up,” Harry said.
Severus smiled. “That’s a very smart idea,” he purred. “Since the things we’re about to do do not require an audience.”
Harry’s smile widened, the glint in his eyes was eager and wicked. “Brilliant.”
***
Author/Artist: alisanne
Pairing(s): Severus Snape/Harry Potter, Ron Weasley/Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom/Luna Lovegood, Dean Thomas/Ginny Weasley
Prompt: Severus plans to propose to Harry on Christmas Eve, but he can't seem to get him alone.
Word Count/Art Medium: ~2300
Rating: PG-13
Contains (Highlight to view): * A wee bit of snogging and banter.*
Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Thanks, as always, to J and M for beta-reading, and to the mods for allowing me the opportunity to once again participate in this lovely fest. Happy Holidays, everyone!
Summary: Despite being warned by Harry that his home would be a madhouse on Christmas eve, Severus decides to brave it anyway.
***
Observing the Festivities
***
Swallowing hard, Severus approached the door of Harry’s cottage. The lights were on, and he could see all the festive details, including the Christmas tree that was decorated and stood before the bay window. It looked warm, inviting, a lot like Harry himself. Reaching into his pocket, Severus touched the velvet box he’d been carrying around for three months, sighing.
After the war, Harry had decided that Grimmauld Place wasn’t for him, so he’d bequeathed it to Andromeda and Teddy before moving to Godric’s Hollow, into his parents’ old cottage.
It had taken a lot of work to bring the place back to a habitable state, work which Harry had seemed to enjoy. He must have, since that was when he decided to go into wizarding architecture, Severus thought, admiring the small, architectural details Harry had added to the place. He’s certainly made it his own.
Actually, there was something of Severus in the house, too. By the time Harry had started rebuilding, they had been dating, and Harry had asked Severus’ opinion about almost every aspect of the process. Severus had taken it as a sign that his opinion was important to Harry, that he was important.
Squaring his shoulders, Severus knocked. The door opened almost immediately. “Severus!” Beaming, Harry pulled him inside. “Merlin, it’s freezing. Why didn’t you Floo?”
How to explain that he’d needed to walk? That it felt only proper that on this night of all nights he come as a supplicant to Harry’s door? Severus smiled. “I felt like taking a walk.”
Harry’s smile softened. “Well it’s good to see you. I was beginning to worry that you’d decided not to come tonight.” He pulled Severus close. “After all, it can get a bit mad here during the holidays, especially Christmas Eve.”
Severus hummed. “So you’ve warned me. Is anyone else here?”
“Not yet.”
“You’re sure I should be here?” Severus looked around. “Won’t your friends be surprised to see me?”
“Not at all.” Harry smiled. “They know how I feel about you.” He leaned in. “So, what shall we do while we wait?”
As Harry pulled him towards the living room with its inviting sofas, Severus raised an eyebrow. “It seems to me that you’ve already answered that question.”
Laughing, Harry drew him down onto sumptuous cushions. “Are you objecting?” he asked.
“Certainly not,” Severus murmured, covering Harry’s body with his own. “I’m no fool.”
Kissing Harry was like being enveloped in light, warmth. Severus pressed closer, sliding his tongue inside Harry’s mouth, moaning as Harry’s hands slid over his sensitive body, exploring all the places that made Severus gasp and shiver. No other lover had ever cherished Severus as much as Harry did and there was a part of Severus that expected Harry’s regard and care to be torn from him some day.
“You’re thinking too hard,” Harry whispered against Severus’ lips, pulling him back to the moment. “You worry too much.”
And Harry didn’t worry nearly enough, Severus knew. I suppose I worry enough for both of us, he decided, gathering Harry to him. He had just managed to undo Harry’s flies when the Floo sounded.
“Harry?” Hermione’s penetrating voice filled the room.
Harry, who had been nuzzling Severus’ neck and arching up against him, groaned. “My friends have horrible timing.”
“Are you there, Harry?”
“Yes!” Pressing an apologetic kiss on the corner of Severus’ mouth, Harry wriggled out from under him and stood, adjusting himself as he walked. “Yes, Hermione, I’m here.”
“Oh, good.” Hermione Weasley’s face appeared in the fireplace. Looking past Harry, her eyes met Severus’ and she coughed. “Oh, if it’s a bad time I can--”
“No, it’s fine.” Harry cleared his throat. “It’s getting late and I know you don’t like to keep the kids up. Are you coming now?”
“Yes--” Hermione started to say.
“Let’s hope so since we certainly aren’t,” Severus murmured, only loudly enough for Harry to hear.
Harry choked. “See you in a minute, Hermione,” he managed, cutting off the rest of her reply. Closing the Floo connection, he turned to glare at Severus. “That was evil.”
Severus smirked. “Slytherin, remember?”
Harry snorted. “As if I could forget.” He shook his head. “And would you please stop trying to make Rose one, too? Ron’s nervous enough about her going to Hogwarts in a few years and ending up anywhere but Gryffindor.”
Severus shrugged. “Mr Weasley should know that one cannot change a child’s innate inclinations. Ms Weasley will be Sorted appropriately, I assure you.”
“Mmm hm.” Harry, looking unconvinced, started towards Severus. “Just...maybe we shouldn’t discuss Hogwarts at all, hm? At least not while Ron’s here?”
“Fine with me,” Severus said, rising as Harry approached. Reaching out, he adjusted out the wrinkles in his jumper. “There, now you don’t look freshly tousled.”
Harry grinned. “Shame, since I am freshly tousled.” The Floo sounded and, sighing, he spun to greet his guests. “Happy Christmas, everyone! Hello, Rose! My, what a big girl you are. And hey, Hugo--”
Severus hung back, watching Harry interact with the children. He was a natural with them, knowing exactly what to say and how to get them to relax. Severus, on the other hand, was awkward around children that he wasn’t instructing. He would do so well with children of his own, perhaps I shouldn’t propose. I could be the one standing in the way of his having children--
“...Mister Snape?”
Wincing, Severus looked down to see Rose Weasley looking up at him. “Miss Weasley. Good evening.”
Rose giggled. “It’s not just evening, it’s Christmas!”
Severus smiled, relaxing. “Indeed, you are correct. Are you excited for tomorrow?”
“Uh huh.” Rose grasped his hand, tugging Severus towards the Christmas tree. “St Nicholas is coming to our house and I have presents under Uncle Harry’s tree, too, see?”
As Rose proudly displayed the gifts she’d spotted that has her name on them, Severus glanced over, watching Harry play with Hugo as the child’s indulgent parents gazed on in adoration.
As if sensing his regard, Harry looked up, smiling as he saw Severus staring. Their eyes locked, heated. Harry’s lips parted...
“Mummy and Daddy look at each other like that, too,” said Rose, her tone matter-of-fact. “That’s when I know I need to take Hugo and play with him for a while so they can have cuddle time.”
Severus coughed, dragging his gaze from Harry. “Is that so?”
“Mmhm.” Rose nodded. “Do you and Uncle Harry need me to take him now so you can have cuddle time?”
Resisting the urge to accept her offer, Severus said, “That won’t be necessary. Perhaps you should enjoy some of these shortbread biscuits instead--”
Crisis successfully navigated, Severus finally managed to ply Rose with eggnog and biscuits before returning her to her parents. Hugo, in the meantime, had fallen asleep. “Time for us to go,” Hermione declared. “Before he wakes up again.”
Rose, who by then was yawning, didn’t argue as her father picked her up to carry her through the Floo. “Happy Christmas, Mister Snape, Uncle Harry,” she whispered into her father’s shoulder.
After Harry hugged him, being careful not to wake Hugo, he turned to face Hermione, leaning in to say something to her.
Ronald, who was waiting for his wife, inclined his head towards Severus. “And I hope we see you tomorrow at the Burrow,” he said quietly. “Mum especially would love to see you.”
Severus blinked. “It was my understanding that the event is just for immediate family.”
Ronald smiled. “It is.” And, spinning, he headed for the Floo, leaving Severus staring after him.
“Happy Christmas,” said Hermione before she, too, disappeared in the Floo.
With the children gone, the room was quiet. “You’re good with kids,” Harry said, handing Severus a goblet of wine.
Severus raised an eyebrow. “Hardly. You, however, seem to be a natural.” He examined the contents of his cup. “You’d do well with a brood of your own.”
“I do well with you,” Harry said, clasping Severus’ arm. Severus looked up at him. “And we could probably manage with some children.”
Severus’ eyes widened. They hadn’t openly discussed their future, but it was the perfect opening to the topic Severus had been wanting to discuss all evening. “Harry--”
“Hello? Is anyone home?”
Harry looked over Severus’ shoulder, smiling in welcome. “Andromeda! And Teddy! Hello! Happy Christmas.”
Exhaling, Severus spun in time to see Andromeda Tonks come out of the Floo, pulling Teddy Lupin’s hand. Taking a sip of his wine, Severus quashed his impatience. It was Christmas Eve, and Harry had warned him it would be busy.
“Hello, Mithter Thnape,” Teddy lisped.
“Happy Christmas, Teddy,” replied Severus.
Teddy ran to Harry, burying his face in Harry’s pant leg. Harry smiled, patting his head.
“Andromeda,” Severus said, suppressing his automatic shudder as he turned in her direction. Her similarities to Bellatrix often made it difficult for Severus to relax around her.
“Severus.” Andromeda inclined her head, her eyes wary. “It’s so good to see you. Harry said you might be here.”
“Did he?” Severus glanced at Harry, who had bent down to chat with Teddy. Teddy’s hair colour was oscillating between green and red and he was giggling.
Andromeda coughed. “That’s his holiday look, or so he says.”
“Indeed. Very festive,” Severus deadpanned.
Andromeda laughed. Expression open, she hesitated for a moment before touching his arm lightly. “Severus, I know we have never been close, but I know that Harry cares for you, so whatever it is that I may have done to offend you, I hope we can put it behind us for his sake since we’re quite close and he and Teddy are practically family.”
Severus sighed. “I have nothing against you personally, Andromeda. You simply remind me of my...misspent youth.”
Andromeda blinked, then smiled ruefully. Severus saw a flash of understanding in her eyes. “Ah yes. I still get looks from people when I go out in public, actually. Still, I’m told I’m sufficiently different from my sister that no one believes I’m her after a few seconds.”
Severus nodded. “That is indeed true,” he conceded. “And I apologise if I have seemed distant.” He watched as Teddy led Harry over to the Christmas tree and began pointing out his favourite ornaments. “And I am quite fond of Teddy myself.”
“I can tell.” Andromeda smiled. “So, what is there to drink around here?”
Severus had just poured her some mulled wine when the Floo sounded again and Luna Lovegood, hand-in-hand with Neville Longbottom, stepped into the room.
After handing Andromeda her wine and greeting the newcomers politely, Severus retreated to the corner to observe the proceedings. He watched the way Luna and Neville chatted with Andromeda, the way Teddy relaxed around them, and when Ginevra Weasley-Thomas and her husband arrived with their twins, Fabian and Gideon, Severus retreated to the kitchen.
Within minutes, Harry found him. “What’s wrong?” he asked, sidling up to him and placing a hand on Severus’ shoulder.
Severus sighed. After seeing Harry with his friends and, honestly, his family, he wasn’t so sure that there was room for him in Harry’s life. “Nothing’s wrong.” Moving away from Harry, he started for the door. “I should be going--”
“Severus.” Harry’s voice was soft, and despite his best intentions, Severus turned to look at him. The look of hurt in Harry’s eyes almost drove Severus to his knees. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“You have so many people who care about you, who have adopted you as family, who lo--” Severus exhaled. “I had hoped that perhaps--”
Taking two quick steps, Harry grasped Severus’ hands. “Hoped that what?”
“That there could be space for me in your life, but--”
“You’re already a part of my life. The most important part, to be honest.” Harry shook his head. “Why do you think I wanted you to love this place as much as I do? I was hoping we could both live here together. Please don’t go.”
Severus closed his eyes. “How can I go now? You always make doing the right thing impossible--” His words were cut off by Harry’s mouth pressing against his.
Moaning, Severus found himself being backed against a wall, his arms full of Harry. Their mouth met, fused, separated and then joined again. And by the time Harry drew back once more, Severus was panting, clinging to Harry, unwilling to let him go. Burying his face in Harry’s neck, he whispered, “I was going to ask you a question tonight, an important one, but perhaps another time--”
“Oh no you don’t.” Pulling back, Harry stared into Severus’ eyes. “Ask me.”
Trembling, Severus reached into his pocket, his fingers closing over the box. “Would you like to make this official?” he croaked out from a tight throat. “Make us official?”
Harry’s mouth dropped open and before Severus could withdraw the question he whooped loudly, throwing his arms around Severus’ neck. “Yes!”
Severus sagged against the wall, closing his eyes in relief even as he cradled Harry in his arms. And, distantly, from outside the door, came clapping.
“About time!” someone cried, (Severus thought it was Ginevra).
Harry chuckled. “Bloody busybodies.” Raising his head, he shouted, “Shut it, you lot!”
“Congratulations!” Severus recognised Andromeda’s voice. “We’ll just be leaving you to it, then. See you both tomorrow at the Burrow!” And a moment later there could be heard the whoosh of multiple Floo exits.
“I’d better lock it down before someone else decides to show up,” Harry said.
Severus smiled. “That’s a very smart idea,” he purred. “Since the things we’re about to do do not require an audience.”
Harry’s smile widened, the glint in his eyes was eager and wicked. “Brilliant.”
***