FIC: Jealousy Works (Harry/Severus - 1100 - PG)
Title: Jealousy Works
Author/Artist: ANON
Pairing(s): Harry/Severus
Prompt: Scenario: Severus is tired of watching Harry flit from one man to another and has decided to stake his claim at the Ministry Yule Ball.
Word Count/Art Medium: ~1100 words
Rating: PG
Contains (Highlight to view): None
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: Thank you so much to nenne for her excellent (as usual) help! I had fun with the prompt, and I hope it suits you.
Summary: After Harry grows jealous of Severus's attention to other men, he decides to try the same trick.
"I'm not sure about this plan, Harry," Hermione said, her brow wrinkled. "Why can't you just ask him out?"
"Why would he want to?" Ron muttered.
Harry sighed loudly, looking between his best friends. "We're barely friends --"
"You seem friendly enough to me," Ron said, still sounding put out.
Hermione put her hand on Ron's arm, and he scowled but shut up. "I thought you had lunch with him four days a week."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, but he's never shown any interest in me romantically. At all. In fact, he's always pointing out other blokes."
Now Hermione sighed. "That's why you were asking about jealousy."
Harry bit his lip. "It worked for me - I mean, I knew I was interested once I recognised I was jealous."
"You mean, once Hermione pointed it out," Ron muttered, sinking lower in his chair.
"Exactly," Harry said. "So why wouldn't it work with him too? I mean, assuming there's any hope."
Hermione and Ron exchanged a glance, and Harry froze. "Oh. I see. You think there's no way he'd ever be interested in me. Of course. I mean, why would he? He's mature and intelligent and sexy, and I'm just me." He stood up, his chair falling back and clattering to the floor. "I've got to go."
"Harry! That's not --"
"Hey, mate. I don't think that --" Ron said at the same time. But it was too late. Harry was already through the door of the Leaky, a blast of cold air brushing by them in his wake.
**
Harry Apparated straight to Grimmauld Place. Inside, he immediately locked the Floo before sinking onto the sofa, his head in his hands. Even his friends thought he was undesirable. He gave a dry chuckle. "Way to be dramatic," he murmured. He knew they didn't truly believe that; they just didn't think there was any way Severus Snape would ever find him attractive. And they were probably right.
Harry sighed, rubbing his hands through his hair. "I'm doing it anyway," he said aloud. If Severus had no interest, then maybe Harry would find someone else, someone who could see just him and be okay with him. It wasn't ideal, but he was tired of being alone.
Harry jumped up and ran upstairs to his room, throwing open his wardrobe door. "Time to get started," he said, grabbing a shirt and pants.
**
A month later, Severus Snape stood in the Malfoy Manor ballroom, watching the magical ceiling Lucius had charmed to mimic Hogwarts (mostly to show that he could, Severus knew). The crowd murmured and laughed around him, but Severus ignored them as he waited for a particular someone to arrive.
This year's Ministry Yule Ball was being held here as part of the continuing effort on parts of the older Pureblood wizards and the younger, less traditional groups to show solidarity and a willingness to work together to usher wizarding society into this new, post-Voldemort age.
Lucius had missed Azkaban by the skin of his teeth and had instead been under house arrest for two years. When released, around 19 months previously, Lucius had immediately begun pouring money into many of the ventures of high profile wizards - Harry Potter's war orphan efforts and Hermione Granger's liaison work with house elves, most prominently. He opened the Manor to Aurors and Unspeakables, allowing them complete access to even the dungeons.
Now, although his star might never rise as high as it had been before his work with the Death Eaters, he was at least accepted in their society as someone who had repented and made amends. He'd offered the Manor for the Yule Ball for free and even paid for all the catering. He'd allowed Aurors to cast protective charms and wards that he had no access to. Severus knew Lucius wasn't thrilled, but he was willing to do what it took to claw his way back up - and this time, it was for Draco, most of all, rather than for himself.
"Mr. Harry Potter," the doorman called, and Severus shook aside his thoughts, his eyes going to the main doors. Harry stood, looking uncomfortable, as he often did before a crowd. On his arm was a tall, slender man who appeared quite pleased to have the Saviour's attention for the evening.
Severus's eyes narrowed as he watched Harry and the mystery man begin making their way around the room. He and Harry had put aside their animosity soon after Severus healed from Nagini's bite. Harry had been quite persistent, and Severus found that without the constant pressure from Voldemort and even Dumbledore, he no longer had the drive to be angry and hateful all the time. He'd probably never be considered a 'nice' man, but when Harry pushed for them to set aside the past, Severus conceded.
For the past year, they'd begun having lunch together a few days a week. Severus had quickly discovered that his feelings for Harry were not only stronger than he'd allowed himself to consider before but also of a more sexual nature. However, he'd also realised that Harry was shy and surprisingly insecure. Rather than come right out and let his interest be known, Severus had started by pointing out men here and there during their lunches, commenting on their attractiveness. He watched Harry's responses, and he determined that Harry was, at least, interested in men.
Lately, though, Harry had begun appearing a couple of times a week with different men. Severus didn't know what had changed. They still had lunch, and they still talked about many aspects of their lives. Severus hadn't asked about the dates, though his curiosity - and jealousy - burned.
Just then, Harry and his latest date came close to Severus, and he slipped into the crowd behind them, focusing on their conversation. "This is pretty spectacular, Harry," the man said. "I'm glad you invited me."
"Well, as I said yesterday, I needed a date," Harry responded. Severus immediately noticed his strained tone.
"Don't worry. I'll make it worth your while," the man said suggestively.
Severus winced, his heart sinking. Was Harry having sex with all these men?
But Harry flinched away from his date. "What? That's not - I don't sleep around," he said, his voice cold.
The man didn't seem to care and pushed closer to Harry, pressing himself against him. "Oh, I think you'll make an exception for me, Harry," he purred.
Before Severus realised he was moving, he stood at Harry's shoulder, ready to separate the two. "Harry," he said. "I've been looking for you."
Harry turned immediately, colour rising in his face. "Severus! I didn't know if you'd be here."
"And why wouldn't I be?" he asked, raising one brow.
"I - you didn't say anything when we had lunch two days ago. Where's your date?" he added, glancing around.
Next to him, the other man scowled at Severus. "I am Harry's date," he put in, thrusting his hand toward Severus. "Philip Andover."
Severus ignored him. "I didn't bring a date, Harry. I didn't want any distractions."
Harry also ignored Andover. "Distractions from what?"
"From pursuing someone I've long wanted to get to know better." He moved closer, and rather than flinching away, Severus noticed that Harry seemed to lean toward him. "Would you like to dance?"
"Excuse me," Andover said. "I'm Harry's date. If he does any dancing, it will be with me."
Without looking away from Severus, Harry said, "Actually, Philip, I believe I will take this dance with Severus. Please excuse me." He took Severus's arm and allowed him to lead them to the dance floor.
As soon as they began to move, Harry glanced up at Severus through his dark lashes. "Di-did you mean me? Or am I in the way?"
Before Harry could say more, Severus tightened his hold. "I definitely mean you, Harry," he said in a low murmur.
Harry gratifyingly swayed closer, almost melting into Severus. "Why didn't you say something sooner?" Harry asked, sounding almost plaintive. "I thought you would never see me that way."
"I've seen you that way for a very long time," Severus said. "But I didn't realise you might see me that way. It wasn't until I noticed your interest in the men I pointed out - and thought perhaps you were jealous --" His voice cracked a little, and Harry pressed so close that Severus felt every inch of him.
"I was jealous," he whispered. "Um, that's why I started dating all those men. I thought - Ron and Hermione said --"
His tone was sad, all of a sudden, and Severus stopped moving and instead brushed his lips over Harry's. When Harry gasped, he took advantage and swept his tongue through Harry's mouth. Harry clutched at Severus and moaned.
Severus pulled back but did not let go. "I don't know what Ron and Hermione were thinking," he said. "I don't know what they said. But I do know that I don't want you spending any more time with other men. Just me - if you'll have me."
"Yes," said Harry. He put his hand behind Severus's neck. "You're the only one I want."
"I feel the same way," Severus said, and then he kissed Harry while carefully moving the two of them to the edge of the room. "I think I'm finished with this ball, however."
Harry gave a shy smile, his cheeks pink, his eyes dark and hungry. "Me too. Though I should probably let Philip know."
"Allow me," Severus said, flicking his wand. His Patronus swirled out, and Severus said, "Harry has been called away. Please stay and enjoy your evening." His doe galloped away. Without waiting for Andover's response, he pulled Harry close and said, "Shall we?"
Harry smiled. "Please."
And with his knowledge of the Manor, he led Harry to a previously unseen door. A moment later, the pop of Apparation could be heard - if anyone was listening for it over the next musical selection and the buzz of conversation. Indeed, only three people noticed. Ron put his arm around Hermione, squeezing her gently as they smiled at one another in relief. And not far from where Severus and Harry had slipped away, Lucius smirked. One by one, he'd show the people who meant the most to him how far he was willing to go to make amends. Yule was the season for giving, after all.
Author/Artist: ANON
Pairing(s): Harry/Severus
Prompt: Scenario: Severus is tired of watching Harry flit from one man to another and has decided to stake his claim at the Ministry Yule Ball.
Word Count/Art Medium: ~1100 words
Rating: PG
Contains (Highlight to view): None
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: Thank you so much to nenne for her excellent (as usual) help! I had fun with the prompt, and I hope it suits you.
Summary: After Harry grows jealous of Severus's attention to other men, he decides to try the same trick.
"I'm not sure about this plan, Harry," Hermione said, her brow wrinkled. "Why can't you just ask him out?"
"Why would he want to?" Ron muttered.
Harry sighed loudly, looking between his best friends. "We're barely friends --"
"You seem friendly enough to me," Ron said, still sounding put out.
Hermione put her hand on Ron's arm, and he scowled but shut up. "I thought you had lunch with him four days a week."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, but he's never shown any interest in me romantically. At all. In fact, he's always pointing out other blokes."
Now Hermione sighed. "That's why you were asking about jealousy."
Harry bit his lip. "It worked for me - I mean, I knew I was interested once I recognised I was jealous."
"You mean, once Hermione pointed it out," Ron muttered, sinking lower in his chair.
"Exactly," Harry said. "So why wouldn't it work with him too? I mean, assuming there's any hope."
Hermione and Ron exchanged a glance, and Harry froze. "Oh. I see. You think there's no way he'd ever be interested in me. Of course. I mean, why would he? He's mature and intelligent and sexy, and I'm just me." He stood up, his chair falling back and clattering to the floor. "I've got to go."
"Harry! That's not --"
"Hey, mate. I don't think that --" Ron said at the same time. But it was too late. Harry was already through the door of the Leaky, a blast of cold air brushing by them in his wake.
**
Harry Apparated straight to Grimmauld Place. Inside, he immediately locked the Floo before sinking onto the sofa, his head in his hands. Even his friends thought he was undesirable. He gave a dry chuckle. "Way to be dramatic," he murmured. He knew they didn't truly believe that; they just didn't think there was any way Severus Snape would ever find him attractive. And they were probably right.
Harry sighed, rubbing his hands through his hair. "I'm doing it anyway," he said aloud. If Severus had no interest, then maybe Harry would find someone else, someone who could see just him and be okay with him. It wasn't ideal, but he was tired of being alone.
Harry jumped up and ran upstairs to his room, throwing open his wardrobe door. "Time to get started," he said, grabbing a shirt and pants.
**
A month later, Severus Snape stood in the Malfoy Manor ballroom, watching the magical ceiling Lucius had charmed to mimic Hogwarts (mostly to show that he could, Severus knew). The crowd murmured and laughed around him, but Severus ignored them as he waited for a particular someone to arrive.
This year's Ministry Yule Ball was being held here as part of the continuing effort on parts of the older Pureblood wizards and the younger, less traditional groups to show solidarity and a willingness to work together to usher wizarding society into this new, post-Voldemort age.
Lucius had missed Azkaban by the skin of his teeth and had instead been under house arrest for two years. When released, around 19 months previously, Lucius had immediately begun pouring money into many of the ventures of high profile wizards - Harry Potter's war orphan efforts and Hermione Granger's liaison work with house elves, most prominently. He opened the Manor to Aurors and Unspeakables, allowing them complete access to even the dungeons.
Now, although his star might never rise as high as it had been before his work with the Death Eaters, he was at least accepted in their society as someone who had repented and made amends. He'd offered the Manor for the Yule Ball for free and even paid for all the catering. He'd allowed Aurors to cast protective charms and wards that he had no access to. Severus knew Lucius wasn't thrilled, but he was willing to do what it took to claw his way back up - and this time, it was for Draco, most of all, rather than for himself.
"Mr. Harry Potter," the doorman called, and Severus shook aside his thoughts, his eyes going to the main doors. Harry stood, looking uncomfortable, as he often did before a crowd. On his arm was a tall, slender man who appeared quite pleased to have the Saviour's attention for the evening.
Severus's eyes narrowed as he watched Harry and the mystery man begin making their way around the room. He and Harry had put aside their animosity soon after Severus healed from Nagini's bite. Harry had been quite persistent, and Severus found that without the constant pressure from Voldemort and even Dumbledore, he no longer had the drive to be angry and hateful all the time. He'd probably never be considered a 'nice' man, but when Harry pushed for them to set aside the past, Severus conceded.
For the past year, they'd begun having lunch together a few days a week. Severus had quickly discovered that his feelings for Harry were not only stronger than he'd allowed himself to consider before but also of a more sexual nature. However, he'd also realised that Harry was shy and surprisingly insecure. Rather than come right out and let his interest be known, Severus had started by pointing out men here and there during their lunches, commenting on their attractiveness. He watched Harry's responses, and he determined that Harry was, at least, interested in men.
Lately, though, Harry had begun appearing a couple of times a week with different men. Severus didn't know what had changed. They still had lunch, and they still talked about many aspects of their lives. Severus hadn't asked about the dates, though his curiosity - and jealousy - burned.
Just then, Harry and his latest date came close to Severus, and he slipped into the crowd behind them, focusing on their conversation. "This is pretty spectacular, Harry," the man said. "I'm glad you invited me."
"Well, as I said yesterday, I needed a date," Harry responded. Severus immediately noticed his strained tone.
"Don't worry. I'll make it worth your while," the man said suggestively.
Severus winced, his heart sinking. Was Harry having sex with all these men?
But Harry flinched away from his date. "What? That's not - I don't sleep around," he said, his voice cold.
The man didn't seem to care and pushed closer to Harry, pressing himself against him. "Oh, I think you'll make an exception for me, Harry," he purred.
Before Severus realised he was moving, he stood at Harry's shoulder, ready to separate the two. "Harry," he said. "I've been looking for you."
Harry turned immediately, colour rising in his face. "Severus! I didn't know if you'd be here."
"And why wouldn't I be?" he asked, raising one brow.
"I - you didn't say anything when we had lunch two days ago. Where's your date?" he added, glancing around.
Next to him, the other man scowled at Severus. "I am Harry's date," he put in, thrusting his hand toward Severus. "Philip Andover."
Severus ignored him. "I didn't bring a date, Harry. I didn't want any distractions."
Harry also ignored Andover. "Distractions from what?"
"From pursuing someone I've long wanted to get to know better." He moved closer, and rather than flinching away, Severus noticed that Harry seemed to lean toward him. "Would you like to dance?"
"Excuse me," Andover said. "I'm Harry's date. If he does any dancing, it will be with me."
Without looking away from Severus, Harry said, "Actually, Philip, I believe I will take this dance with Severus. Please excuse me." He took Severus's arm and allowed him to lead them to the dance floor.
As soon as they began to move, Harry glanced up at Severus through his dark lashes. "Di-did you mean me? Or am I in the way?"
Before Harry could say more, Severus tightened his hold. "I definitely mean you, Harry," he said in a low murmur.
Harry gratifyingly swayed closer, almost melting into Severus. "Why didn't you say something sooner?" Harry asked, sounding almost plaintive. "I thought you would never see me that way."
"I've seen you that way for a very long time," Severus said. "But I didn't realise you might see me that way. It wasn't until I noticed your interest in the men I pointed out - and thought perhaps you were jealous --" His voice cracked a little, and Harry pressed so close that Severus felt every inch of him.
"I was jealous," he whispered. "Um, that's why I started dating all those men. I thought - Ron and Hermione said --"
His tone was sad, all of a sudden, and Severus stopped moving and instead brushed his lips over Harry's. When Harry gasped, he took advantage and swept his tongue through Harry's mouth. Harry clutched at Severus and moaned.
Severus pulled back but did not let go. "I don't know what Ron and Hermione were thinking," he said. "I don't know what they said. But I do know that I don't want you spending any more time with other men. Just me - if you'll have me."
"Yes," said Harry. He put his hand behind Severus's neck. "You're the only one I want."
"I feel the same way," Severus said, and then he kissed Harry while carefully moving the two of them to the edge of the room. "I think I'm finished with this ball, however."
Harry gave a shy smile, his cheeks pink, his eyes dark and hungry. "Me too. Though I should probably let Philip know."
"Allow me," Severus said, flicking his wand. His Patronus swirled out, and Severus said, "Harry has been called away. Please stay and enjoy your evening." His doe galloped away. Without waiting for Andover's response, he pulled Harry close and said, "Shall we?"
Harry smiled. "Please."
And with his knowledge of the Manor, he led Harry to a previously unseen door. A moment later, the pop of Apparation could be heard - if anyone was listening for it over the next musical selection and the buzz of conversation. Indeed, only three people noticed. Ron put his arm around Hermione, squeezing her gently as they smiled at one another in relief. And not far from where Severus and Harry had slipped away, Lucius smirked. One by one, he'd show the people who meant the most to him how far he was willing to go to make amends. Yule was the season for giving, after all.