Title: For Love and Loss & Finding it Again
Author: SereneTragedy
Pairing: Severus and Harry
Rating: M/NY-17
Word Count: 45,000? Perhaps...
Warnings: None
Summary: Post-Hogwarts. The Bloody-Boy-Who-Refused to Die still exasperates Severus to no end – doesn't he? Harry Potter returns to the castle less than a year after graduating and is insistent upon seeking Severus out on a regular basis. Severus doesn't know how much longer he can keep his cool with the young man around. And why the hell did Albus give him a blasted journal? HP/SS Slash.
A/N: Completely disregard the whole Sev killing Dumbledore thing at the end of the sixth book – same goes for Sev dying in the seventh book. Epilogue? What epilogue? Starts roughly a year after Harry would have graduated. Betaed by Shoebox, whose patience astounds me *big hugs* And a huge thank you to my group members over at A House-Elf in the Potion's Lab (http:/ groups. yahoo. com/ group/ ahouseelfinthepotionslab) who have put up with my bitching and moaning (namely Lissa)!
Chapter 1 – A What?
Saturday – May 1, 1999
18:58
"A what?" Severus inquired.
"Come now, Severus," Dumbledore waved his right hand dismissively. "It's nothing really, just a little something to relieve the stress."
Picking up the thick tome, Albus passed it over his desk into the overtly not eager arms of the resident potions master. Bemused, Severus took the thing unconsciously.
"And what exactly, am I supposed to do with… it?"
Chuckling, the wizard answered, "You write in it Severus! Anything you wish – every night I would suggest. It is a wonderful way to rid oneself of pent up emotions."
"Emotions?" Severus quirked a brow.
"Yes, Severus, emotions – I know you have them in there somewhere! And since you insist on not letting anyone else in, this is the perfect solution!" The man was simply twinkling with anticipation.
That twinkle is the ruler of all evil – the Dark Lord could not make one squirm like this.
Severus sighed. There really was no point arguing with the man. He would take the "journal," as he had called it, and stick it away on a shelf with the rest of the abominable "gifts" and "little helpers" the batty old man had pressed upon him over the years.
"As you wish Albus," Severus stood, stowing the book in his voluminous robes, "However, I must return to the lab. Poppy has yet again managed to run out of Pepper-Up Potion before the end of term."
"Ah, to be young again and not have a care in the world," Dumbledore smiled, "And when disaster hits, to have a potions master within ears reach!"
Snorting, Severus took his leave.
If he wants a bloody hero, he can call his Golden Boy.