Many thanks to Yen for all her help with this.

Hidden Help

Harry slowed down, almost tiptoeing as he passed Mrs Black's portrait 'Maybe I should see about putting a permanent area wide silence spell near her so I can run through as loud as I want.' and then flung his robe on as he ran down the rest of the steps.

Entering the front parlour, Harry's breath caught in his throat, his eyes doing a twice over against his will. Yes, Severus was wearing black, Harry knew he would, but the fit of the robes accentuated the trousers which did nothing to conceal the long legs encased in them. The shirt hidden under the dark charcoal vest looked to have a hint of colour, perhaps a tint of green to it.

Turning quickly, Harry swallowed hard to open his throat, and grabbed the ticket voucher from the side table near the parlour door.

"Welcome to my place, Severus," he said as he spun back around, doing his best to act normal.

The raised eyebrow left him in no doubt that he had failed, but Severus' tone was bland enough as he replied, "It looks much more inviting since you've taken it over."

A smile stretched Harry's face – he could feel his cheeks crinkling his eyes shut. "It was a lot of hard work, but worth it in the end." He moved closer to Severus, holding out the voucher and willing his hand to stay steady. "It's almost time, we just need to hold onto this and it'll take us right there."

They both held an edge of the parchment and the portkey activated.

Harry felt silly, stumbling over nothing as the portkey deposited them in a small alleyway near a tall round building. A glance at Severus showed the man had noticed but was refraining from commenting. Harry flashed him a self-depreciating smile before looking about for the entrance. It was cloaked in the shadow of the building itself.

"Shall we?" Harry walked towards the door, savouring the feel of Severus walking beside him. Another glance showed his dark eyes alight with interest as he looked over the facade, and then when they were greeted by the man at the door. Harry could understand that interest - the young man was dressed in Elizabethan fashion. Even the Wizarding world had moved away from the ruffled starched collars and hosiery.

"Tickets, sirs?" Brown eyes widening was the only clue that the man recognised them.

Harry handed the voucher over and the man glanced at them before gesturing them through the door.

"One moment, please," he turned to another man near him and nudged his head towards the door, "if you will wait here, I'll be right back."

He rushed down a small back corridor, obviously meant for staff use, and was back a few moments later with an older witch in tow. He introduced her before going back to the entrance. Even though Mrs Tamal was professional as she greeted them, Harry could all but see the awe radiating from her.

"Mr Potter, Mr Snape, please follow me," Mrs Tamal walked a few steps away before glancing back to make sure they were.

Harry shot a questioning look at Severus and got a smirk and an imperious gesture indicating he was to lead the way. Refraining from both the shrug and eye roll, Harry did.

"Welcome to the Globe, sirs," Mrs Tamal started babbling as they walked down a brightly light path to a grand staircase that curved up the side of the building. "We're grateful that you've come here, and tonight of all nights. The Queen herself is in attendance – and on our side even instead of the Muggles. So, I ask that you don't worry about the number of Aurors present tonight. We will let her know of your presence."

Severus cut in, "That will not be necessary."

Harry didn't bother, deeming it as a lost cause as a number of Aurors had spotted them by the time they reached the second floor.

Mrs Tamal opened a small door and gestured them into the box behind it. "Please, come in. Your dinner shall be delivered shortly, but there is a bottle of wine waiting. Enjoy the show and yourselves tonight at the Globe."

Harry stared about, taking in the stage below them, the small table for two sat in a way that both people could easily see the stage and each other. There were also other seats out on the balcony, close to the railing. Sitting on the table was a bottle of wine he was positive was more expensive than he wanted to know.

"It seems as though we've received an upgrade," Severus poured them both a glass of the wine.

Harry nodded dumbly as he accepted a glass. He wondered if they were going to be charged for the change, but somehow he doubted it. Finding his voice, he smiled slightly as he spoke, "Yes, it does. I do hope we don't have to see the Queen though. I'm not dressed up enough for that, and I wouldn't know how to act or what to say."

Taking a step back, Severus studied him from head to toe in a leisurely fashion that made Harry almost lightheaded. "You are presentable. As for how to act, just be yourself. If she asks to meet you, that is who she should meet."

Harry sipped his wine to block the laugh bubbling up in his throat, but gave up when he almost choked and laughed anyway. "Only you, Severus, would think that. She might want to see you. Maybe she's interested in spies?"

Severus shook his head and pulled out one of the chairs. "Have a seat, there's a house elf waiting on us."

Harry looked around and finally spotted the small elf practically hidden in the folds of a curtain draped along the edge of the box. They both took their seat and then dishes appeared on the table. The elf vanished, but Harry was positive he'd be back.

Even as they dined, the play began. Between bites tender baked salmon, creamy mash and buttered asparagus spears and important scenes, they talked softly about what was happening on the stage, and how Hagrid and others in their acquaintance would have reacted in that situation.

By the time the play finished and they returned to Harry's place, both agreed it was an enjoyable evening, even with the summons to see the Queen.

Harry couldn't help but smile at that. He had been all anxious and a bit flustered, and suspected Severus wasn't as cool as he appeared – he had reverted to being Professor Snape – all sharp eyes and a scowling face. They stayed in the Royal Box for only two or three minutes to receive thanks for their services.

§§§§§

"Severus, you need to go," Rolanda Hooch slid a pair of Quidditch tickets across his table, leaving them near his half full cup. "I can't, we've a game that night and I have to be there."

Severus glared at the tickets. "Why me? Surely you know someone who'd enjoy the game more than I will."

"But you will be able to tell me how Marcus Flint and Oliver Wood are working together." Rolanda leant forward, "You know those two – both very passionate about the sport and always having words."

Severus nodded. He remembered many nights trying to calm his old Quidditch captain. The matches against Gryffindor were fuelled more by the desire to best Wood than to win against the opposing House.

"I have to know how they are working together, and you know Flint better than many others and will be able to spot if there are issues. It would be awful if the England National Team couldn't win against the French because those two have issues."

"I know that Flint plays for the Wimbourne Wasps, who does Wood play for?" Severus didn't want to be interested, but he was.

"Puddlemere United," Rolanda finished her drink and stood to leave. "You can raffle the other ticket away in your shop, or you could take someone out."

There was a knowing glint in her eyes and Severus was positive the news about his and Harry's appearance at the Globe had made it up to the school.

"I'll think about it."

Flashing him a smile, Rolanda left, his kitchen door closing softly behind her. Severus wondered if she really did have a match that night, or if this was her and the other professors' attempt to send him on a date. 'If there wasn't one, I will guarantee there is one now.' He finally picked up the tickets and checked the location and date of the game. 'Two days from now – Friday night – at the English pitch. There is no time to properly raffle them off.'

He scowled in the direction of Hogwarts. He knew they were intending for him to take someone, and he suspected they wanted it to be Harry. Rolanda had to have the tickets for weeks now and the Quidditch schedule had been planned since the beginning of the year. It made the date an obvious set up. 'They need to learn a bit more subtlety.'

Setting his lunch dishes in the sink, he headed to the shop, through the Diagon Alley door, and to the Weasleys' store. Might as well not put off what he was going to do anyway.

"Good afternoon, Professor," Ronald Weasley greeted him with an easy smile.

"Mr Weasley," Severus returned with a slight nod, "Where is Mr Potter?"

"He's in the back – one of the storerooms doing inventory." Ronald gestured towards the employee door. "Head on back, I'm sure he'd be happy to see you."

Severus walked through the door, wondering at the approval he spotted in Ronald's face and couldn't help but wonder just how long it would remain if the redhead knew just what Severus wanted to do with Harry. 'Not that I can do any of those things. He's the darling of the Wizarding world and they watch him closely. I believe that he and Miss Weasley still have some sort of relationship.'

Three turns down a narrow corridor brought him to a storeroom with its door open, and a quick glance through it showed him Harry standing, his back towards him, on his tiptoes attempting to balance a box with his fingertips. Moving quickly, Severus caught the box as it began to fall. Swallowing harshly, but silently, he demanded that his body ignore the one pressed against his front.

"Putting up or taking down?" The words sounded only the slightest bit breathless, to Severus' relief.

"Down," came Harry's reply.

Severus thought the tone of his voice was a touch deeper, which wasn't helping him control his body's reaction. Lowering the box, he forced himself to step back. Harry stepped forward at the same time, ducking his head a bit, allowing Severus to put the box between them.

"Thanks, Severus," Harry turned around as he spoke, his voice back to its normal range, "I wish I could just use magic in here to get them." He flicked his fingers to the top shelf. "But there are too many volatile things in this storeroom."

Severus understood completely, "Where do you want these?"

"Over this way," Harry shimmed around Severus before leading him towards another room. "I need to sort them and figure out which ones need to go on the shelf."

Placing the box on the large table, Severus watched as Harry opened it, revealing a collection of small bottles. He pulled out three dark green ones – Severus recognized the cheering potion in them – before Harry glanced up at him through his lashes. "You came over for something?"

"Madam Hooch left me two tickets to the upcoming England versus France Quidditch game, would you like to come?"

Green eyes widened as Harry's head shot up, giving Severus a full view of his face. "This Friday's game?"

At Severus' nod, Harry beamed, "Yes! I'd love to come." Then he paused for a moment, confusion crossing his face, "But why did she give them to you?"

"Because Mr Flint and Mr Wood are both playing on England's team and she wishes to know how they are working together," Severus smiled at Harry's shocked look, "Yes, those two. She is unable to attend herself as she is refereeing a school match, so she asked for my opinion. Since you know Mr Wood better than I do, I will be counting on your opinion."

"Sure," Harry's smile came back, excitement bubbling around it, "when and where should we meet?"

"The game's here, so you can come to my house around eleven in the morning. It's an afternoon game."

"You want me to go through the shop?"

Severus quickly shook his head, "No, no need to give Meaghan any more gossip. Floo into the house – it's Snape's Den."

"Snake's Den?"

"No, my last name – Snape."

"Okay – Snape's Den. I'll see you around eleven. Anything I can bring? Snacks? Drinks? Seat cushions?"

Severus raised an eyebrow at the last one. "They won't let the first two in, and the last we can use a charm for."

"Yeah, but the charm wears out and the cushions don't need to be renewed."

"But it needs to be carried."

"I'll shrink them and bring them."

"Very well, Harry," Severus turned to leave, "I'll see you Friday morning."

"Until then, Severus."

§§§§§

Severus had a late breakfast on the table, not knowing when they'd get lunch at the game. He made sure he had the money to cover lunch and drinks, and some extra for dinner depending on the length of the game. He wasn't counting on an upgrade like they got at the Globe.

The memory of meeting the Queen and her interest not only in Harry's part of the war, but his as well made him hope not. Shacklebolt's presence in the Queen's box had helped him feel more at ease. With the fellow Order member present and sending him 'all clear' signals, he knew he'd get out of there alive and not facing prison – the Queen could declare him incarcerated if she wished for what he had done.

Harry had blushed and bumbled his way through the entire meeting, but that was a part of his charm and he still had shown more grace than many would have. Later that week, Shacklebolt had stopped by to say that the Queen had been impressed with both of them. He'd worked quickly to nip any idea of another meeting in the bud. Kingsley had shaken his head and laughed.

The floo sounded with a small series of chimes that told him it was Harry, and he walked to the floo room to show the young man the way around his place.

"Good morning, Harry," he said as he opened the door to the heavily warded floo room, thankful he had keyed Harry in after the play that night so that he could floo home.

"I've made us a meal and then we can head out."

"You do have a different colour than black," Harry's hand flew to his mouth as the words tumbled out. He was dressed in comfortable dark red robes with black trousers and what looked to be a cream shirt, all which made his trainers look totally out of place.

Severus quirked a small grin. He knew that his own dark green robes would elicit a response, but he hadn't expected that one. "Yes, Harry, I do."

Grinning and rubbing a hand across the back of his neck, Harry shrugged, "I knew you had to, but I never thought I'd see them."

Severus opened his kitchen door and directed Harry towards the table, "Not many people even believe I have a different colour."

Breakfast was quick and then they used the portkey that Rolanda had delivered that morning to get to the stadium. As they waited in line, Severus watched the crowds closely, noting all the pictures being snapped of them and the reporters who were pushing their way over.

"We're about to be interviewed," he murmured.

Harry sighed and surprisingly, the person at the ticket – Mr Chambers, a former Ravenclaw chaser if Severus remembered correctly – left his station, collected their tickets and rushed them through the gates.

"Enjoy the game, Professor, Harry," was all that was called towards them as they walked away.

Grinning, Harry glanced at the ticket stubs to determine where their seats were. It turned out they were in a decent spot, one they could see the entire field. As they settled in their seats, Harry, seated to Severus' left, gave a small laugh, "Not exactly the same level of special treatment, but I'll take it."

"I agree." Severus looked about noting where the little children were around them. Glad there weren't many, he tried not to scoff at the number of people decked out in their teams' colours. Some of them were practically wearing the uniforms and many had painted their faces as well.

The pregame show was not as entertaining as the World Cup during Harry's fourth year, but both countries managed to show off. As the game started, Severus leant closer to Harry so he could be heard over the screaming fans near them. Drawing in a breath, he froze, savouring the scent – sandalwood mixed with a touch of cedar – that invaded his nose, filled his lungs, and started fogging his brain. Letting it out slowly, he drew in another shallower breath and as a reminder to Harry as well as himself, said, "Don't forget we are here to determine how well Flint and Wood are working together."

He couldn't hear Harry's reply as screams erupted that very second, thanks to the Quaffle intercepted by an English chaser, but he could tell that Harry acknowledged his reminder. Green eyes turned from scanning for the snitch – making Severus smile, 'Always a seeker.' – to watching the two players interact.

The game lasted almost until dinner time. Harry had chuckled at the stadium food lunch, soggy fish and chips, before devouring it along with chilled butterbeer. Even though it wasn't as fancy as the dinner at the Globe, both of them seemed to enjoy it as much if not better. The snitch was caught by the English Seeker, causing the fans around them to erupt into loud cheers while jumping up and down. Severus prepared to Apparate home straight from their seats – he knew the Apparition barrier was dropped so that attendees could do just that – when the noise level dropped and an anticipation filled the crowd. Glancing over the pitch, he could see both teams still swooping around.

"Now for the event you've all been waiting for!" the announcer's voice rang out over the stadium. Severus sank back down onto his seat – the barrier would still be up. Harry shot him an inquiring look, but he just gave a negative shake of his head. He had no idea what was going on.

"It is time to draw the lucky seats," the announcer continued even as both teams hovered.

Severus glanced back at the tickets, checking their seat numbers, even as the man called out his and five other ones. Wood and Flint – both who seemed to work well together when they had a common goal – flew towards him, Flint carrying a spare broom.

"Harry, change seats with me." Severus stood up giving room for the younger man to move over if he wanted to.

Harry started to but the two former Hogwarts students made it to them before they could.

Flint's eyes widened, "Professor Snape!"

Wood sat mutely on his own broom, his own eyes just as round.

"Mr Flint, Mr Wood," Severus nodded a short greeting towards them, "I would like to decline the offer to fly with you as I think my companion would enjoy it more. If you can, please take him."

He slid slightly to the side, showing Harry who was now between the seats. Both of the players' eyes widened even further, and Wood grinned. "Sure, we'll take him, won't we Flint?"

Flint's grin rivalled Wood's as he offered the former seeker the broom, "You willing to play with us, Potter?"

Harry looked between the two and back at Severus before he accepted the broom. "What are we playing?"

Wood's grin grew even more, "Seeker's game. We protect you, you find the snitch before the other five."

"Protect me from what?"

Flint's grin turned almost evil, "From the bludgers. We get to be your beaters."

Harry raised an eyebrow in an eerily similar manner to Severus', "They let bludgers possibly hit fans?"

Wood shrugged, "Sometimes. It depends on the game. This time it was decided to use them as we are doing a Seeker's game." His tone changed to one that had Harry straightening up and getting his old game face on, "Let's go, Potter, we've a game to win."

Severus watched as the three flew onto the pitch and somehow the two teammates kept Harry's identity from being discovered. What happened next was far more hectic than he could've imagined. The other five fans flew every which way, attempting to impress whoever was watching while looking for the snitch. A few of them were even attempting dangerous stunts and it was obvious they'd never tried them before.

Harry on the other hand, gave his broom a test flight about the pitch, dodging the bludgers and keeping one eye out for his two partners while the other scanned for the golden ball. Severus knew it was no contest, not unless one of the other five turned out to be Victor Krum or someone with his skills. It helped that the two who were playing with Potter also knew his tactics – one trained him in them and the other had learned them to defeat them.

The announcer kept up a running play by play on what the fan players were doing right along with the team members who were playing with them. The man was just repeating for the fifth time on how Wood and Flint's fan seemed scared of his broom or didn't want to participate, when Harry did what Harry always did the moment he spotted the snitch.

He dove straight for it at speeds that most professionals baulked at.

Flint and Wood swung into action, knocking the bludgers out of his path, and the announcer was left speechless for half a second before he warned that Harry's broom might be malfunctioning. Flint then kept the concerned referee from interfering by means of blocking him as effectively as he blocked the bludger, while Wood batted the other bludger across the path of the English Coach who was taking off towards them.

Severus would have applauded at how well they worked together if he weren't so focused on Harry while his heart leapt up to his throat. He needn't have worried. Harry caught the Snitch just inches from the ground, righting his broom much like he had done during his first match and skimming the tips of his trainers along the grass, a huge grin on his face as he held the little ball up towards Flint and Wood.

"He caught the snitch! Ladies and gentleman," It was at that moment the announcer realized who Flint and Wood's fan player was. "Is that … I can't believe it! That is Harry Potter! How? When? Never mind how he was chosen, but Harry Potter is here and he caught our snitch! Oh, well done, Mr Potter!"

The crowd, which had been buzzing quietly with the possibility of who Harry was before this exploded into cheers, leaping to their feet and rushing towards the pitch down several stairwells. The crowd around Severus turned to stare at him, their mouths agape and their eyes full of shock.

Flint flew up to him, an extra broom in hand. "Sir, before this gets out of hand, Wood and I will get you and Potter to a safe place, but you'll have to fly." He tossed the broom, fully expecting Severus to catch it.

Severus was on it before the crowd truly registered what was said. "Lead the way, Mr Flint."

His form Quidditch captain flashed a small smile at his standard Head of House tone. Glancing to where Harry had been, he could see Wood shepherding the beaming Harry through the stand's supports. It didn't take long for Flint and him to catch up with them and then Wood closed the locker room door behind them.

"Good show, Potter– you haven't lost your touch, have you? There is a prize for the fan winner," Wood offered him a scrap of parchment and a quill, "if you write on here permission for myself or Flint to collect it for you, we'll bring it by if you tell us where."

Harry wrote out the note quickly even as he glanced at Severus, "Can they drop it off with you? Most people don't know where to find me yet, and technically I played as your stand-in."

Severus suppressed the chuckle that tried to escape. "Bring it by Laugh Potions – any branch – and leave it with the clerk. It will get to me, and I will deliver it to Mr Potter."

Flint nodded, "I will, sir."

Footsteps were heard rushing down the hallway and pounding on the door. The burly Slytherin leant against it even as he activated several protective spells on it. "You need to go. Wood, take them, I'll hold the door."

Wood spun, calling back to them, "This way."

Harry grinned up at Severus even as he took off after the other Gryffindor through another door and down a series of winding corridors.

Wood flung open a cupboard door. "In here, Professor and Potter. The emergency floo connection is active since Flint tripped the protective spells. Powder is in the pot on the hearth."

"Thanks, Oliver!" Harry rushed in.

"Thank you, Mr Wood," Severus followed Harry and the door was closed behind them.

§§§§§

Neither wished to floo to their own house, so Severus took them to the Leaky Cauldron, had Harry transfigure his robes into a Muggle outer coat and they went to find a quiet place for dinner.

"I don't have any Muggle money with me, Severus," Harry shoved his hands into his pockets as he trudged across the damp pavement. "We could go back to my place easy enough from here."

Severus shook his head, "There's a restaurant just down that way I've wanted to try. I can pay for both of us."

He had made sure to have both galleons and pound notes with him before he left home. Severus directed them towards a small place whose windows brightened the darkness that had fallen. A quick glance made sure they were dressed appropriately, and after transfiguring Harry's trainers into dress shoes, Severus opened the door for Harry.

"Do you have a reservation?"

Severus drew up his best pureblood expression and accent as he answered, "No, I was uncertain when Mr Potter and I would be free. Do you have a table for two readily available or shall we go elsewhere?"

The maître d's head lifted slightly, his demeanour shifting much like Severus had seen them do when Lucius spoke to them – just a bit more haughty but at the same time more deferential. The man was going to do his best to show off to them. "If you can give me a moment, Mr..."

"Snape."

"Mr Snape, I will see if we have a suitable table?"

"Of course," Severus tipped his head just slightly, dismissing the man. Becoming a Death Eater had many disadvantages, but the harsh manner training was one of the very few advantages. If he had walked in here with his childhood accent and mannerisms, they would have been sent away.

Severus caught Harry's green eyes slew his way as the man walked off.

"This place looks a touch - " Harry hushed as the maître d returned.

"Would a small table near a window be acceptable? It is private except the view."

Severus hooded his eyes slightly in contemplation before giving a single nod. "I believe it will fit our requirements."

"Please, follow me, sirs," the man turned, bowing very slightly as he did.

Severus made sure Harry waited the hairsbreadth of a second before they walked after the man. He took them to a small nook created by a half-wall and strategically placed plants. The window offered a fine view of the outside, but somehow still afforded the table's occupants a modicum of privacy. The maître d watched his face carefully and Severus refused to show how pleased he was. "It is acceptable."

Stepping back, the man made room for Severus to pass him, "Leo shall be your waiter this evening."

Leo made it to their table by time they'd sat down. Water, menu, and drink request taken, they were left in peace to make their choices.

Harry leant forward, being very careful not to put his elbows on the table, "This place is ..." He trailed off as the Leo returned with the wine Severus had selected.

Severus knew what Harry was going to say, and yes, it was one of the more expensive places they had ever been to, but he felt it was worth it. After sitting most the day next to Harry, watching his expressions of pleasure, aggravation when any of the players made what he considered a foolhardy move, and out and out joy when he caught the snitch, and not truly being able to talk to him due to the loudness of the fans sitting near them, not to mention the temptation of constantly leaning close to the younger man to be heard, he felt they deserved a moment of class and refinement. More specifically, peace and quiet.

Lifting his glass, he tasted the wine and then approved it to be poured for them. Leo then discreetly stepped to the side, giving them just enough space to offer privacy while close enough to respond to anything they needed.

"Order anything you like, Harry." Severus flipped open the menu and scanned the dishes.

"There aren't any prices, Severus," Harry protested in an almost whisper.

"No, and don't worry about them either," Severus said without looking up, "just order what you like."

He could feel Harry's anxiousness and heard the menu being flipped through with haste. Shutting his own menu sharply, he drew the younger man's attention. "Harry, I choose to eat here. I made sure you dressed appropriately. Do you believe that I would have no clue of the quality? That I would not be prepared for the expense?"

Green eyes studied him over an open menu. Worry faded into a thick warm look that made Severus' insides buzz. That look was quickly locked away behind a friendly gaze. "No, I can't believe that you wouldn't be prepared."

Clamping down on his reaction to Harry, Severus flicked his fingertips towards the menu, "Then, finish deciding. Leo is waiting."

"Isn't that what he's paid to do? Be a waiter?" Chuckling, Harry ducked his head back behind the menu.

Severus let his lips twitch slightly as he waited for Harry to decide. Eventually, the black head popped up and his menu was closed. Leo waited a moment longer before he was back and their orders taken.

"I do have to report back to Rolanda how Wood and Flint worked together," Severus leant back holding his wine glass. "I know that Flint seemed to be comfortable with Wood, but I don't think he would have been if they were not equals."

Harry nodded quickly before taking a sip of his water, "Yeah. Wood was fine, but I agree – it was because they were equals. I think he'd have been too fanatical if he was the captain, and too disgruntled if he was below Flint."

Severus waited as their food was placed before them. He and Harry tasted and approved their dishes and then Leo went back to his position a few feet away. Then Severus cleared his throat and answered. "I believe Flint would have been the same. You were trained by Wood, what insights do you have to how he flew and in his influence of the game today?"

A smile tipped his lips as he listened to Harry's reply and saw the passion lighting his face. The ambience was quiet, and the steaks perfectly cooked. They didn't linger too long, at least not in Severus' opinion.

Harry reached for the bill when Leo placed it on the table, but Severus prevented him from touching it. The brush of their fingers caused a tightening in his abdomen.

"I just want to know..."

Harry's words trailed off at his glare. A flick of his wrist had the bill presenter opened, a quick scan gave him the charge, a very fast calculation told him the amount of tip he wanted to leave for both Leo and the maître d, and he slipped a selection of notes into the bill presenter. A quick whispered word had Leo informed how much of the change was his and how much was the maître d's.

"Thank you, sir," Leo nodded his head slightly – almost bowing – before walking away.

"Let's go, Harry," Severus stood, loosely folding his napkin and resting it on the left side of his plate. Harry quickly copied his behaviour.

Stepping out into the night air, Severus wanted desperately to take Harry's elbow or hand, but restrained himself with much practice.

They were friends, nothing more than that. He couldn't, wouldn't, risk their friendship on his feelings alone.