Disclaimer: All the characters used in this sory are the sole property of J.K Rowling (and some other big company whose name I do not remember. Sorry, no insults intended, just my bad memory). They are not mine. I take credit for the characters' actions and thoughts in this story, though (often used as they are).
"By Your Name…"
It was the most beautiful day he had ever seen. Warm summer morning, sun shining brightly and not a cloud in the deep blue sky. Weak breeze played with his ever-messy hair, cooling his hot face pleasantly.
Well, here go the clishès. Harry shifted his position carefully. I think I'd actually like the book version better – "It was a dark and stormy night, rain pouring down from the sky like the tears of the world." He couldn't remember where he'd read that. Hermione would problably know. He'd ask her later. If there was a later.
Harry adjusted his position again.
"Stop moving, Potter! You make more noise than a herd of elephants in heat!"
The words were cutting. However, any effect they could have had was ruined by the way they were said. The tone of voice held concern and a bit of affection. For him.
"Harry."
"What?"
"Call me Harry, Professor."
This was a conversation they'd held several times to no avail, but Harry was not the one to give up.
Silence. Harry guessed professor Snape didn't want to spend his time arguing. Especially not before THE Battle. The battle that was supposed to end it all. Harry problably was distracting him from important battleplans.
"Then call me Severus."
That was unexpected.
Harry half-turned and looked at his companion. Severus Snape in his usual attire – black robes, greasy hair and compulsory scowl fixed firmly on his face – sat next to him carefully watching the forest.
It was the direction Harry should have been looking at too – they had information Voldemort's forces were gathering in the forest – but he felt he could, for a little while at least, do something more pleasant.
Like watching his ex-Potions teatcher and secret crush.
Harry grinned, for a moment trying to imagine his friends' reactions to that little bit of knowledge. Ron would have a stroke, Hermione'd lecture him about the lack of responsibility, Sirius would throw a spectacular fit and Dumbledore…
Harry was sure Albus already knew, somehow the Headmaster always did. And he'd never said a word against.
As if feeling Harry's gaze, professor Snape turned to look at him. Their eyes met and held. Harry smiled. For a moment Snape's features softened with an answering almost-smile. Then he turned back to the forest.
Harry couldn't stop smiling as he, too, started watching the forest at last.
He'll never know. But that's okay. He gave me the right to call him by his name. And he smiled at me, almost. If I die today, I at least have something to take with me.
"Severus."