"Bets & Consequences"
Summary: Hogwarts staff have made a bet over whether Severus and Harry are in a relationship. What happens when the Potions and DADA professors find out about this bet? Will their friendship be strained or develop into something more?
Warnings: Snarry! Don't like, don't read.
Disclaimer: Whatever you recognize, I don't own.
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed or favorited or is following this story! I really appreciate the support and wish I had time to give personal responses to everyone. Thank you!
Chapter Three
Saturday - Date Night
Severus was very nervous about his first date with Harry - first date with anyone, actually. He tried hard not to let it show. He kept telling himself that having dinner with Harry and going on a date with him was really no different than the times they have already spent together - other than that it wouldn't be on Hogwarts grounds… Oh, and then there is not so tiny difference in the motivation behind and potential outcome of said time together. But Severus was nervous for nothing. Their first date went quite well.
Severus was hesitant at the thought of going on a date anywhere either of them would be recognized. He immediately thought of Theo's, a quiet Muggle restaurant in Whitby, England, which specializes in Greek, Italian, and American fare. He had happened upon it many years before and had remembered being quite impressed with the quality of the food, the quiet atmosphere, and its minimal impact on a professor's coin purse. And if that wasn't enough, due to the diverse crowds of tourists that Whitby drew, even Albus' outlandish robes wouldn't attract attention.
The two men had agreed to meet just inside Hogwarts' gates. As Severus approached the gates he saw that Harry was already there. His heart began to quicken at the sight of the young man and then galloped full force when Harry turned his head, saw him, and broke out in a huge smile. Severus wondered if his heart would survive he night. He walked right up to the young man and hoped his nervousness wasn't obvious.
"Hey, Sev," Harry said softly, still smiling.
"Evening, Harry," Severus replied, relieved that his voice wasn't shaky.
Harry took a step closer. "I, uh…" His smile faltered. "I was so nervous that I changed shirts five times." He bit his lip and looked down.
"You did well," said Severus. "That green brings out your eyes." Harry looked back up and smiled.
"Shall we?" Severus asked.
Harry nodded.
They exited though the gates. Severus offered his arm.
"Where are you taking me?" Harry asked as he took the older man's arm.
"It's a surprise," Severus answered, just before apparating them away. They arrived at the bottom of a hillside. "Welcome to Whitby, England."
Harry looked around, wide-eyed. "How did you know? I've wanted to come here for years!"
Severus shrugged. "I didn't know, but I'm pleased it meets your approval."
Harry smiled. "Can we go for a walk before dinner?"
"Of course. I had intended on suggesting it myself."
They made their way up the hill on the cobblestone steps. Severus was surprised that Harry had yet to let go of his arm, but he most certainly did not mind. He only wished that his heart would stop racing and his stomach would stop doing flip-flops, but it was not likely so long as Harry remained so close to him.
They made it to the top of the hill. They wandered around the ruins and appreciated the view while Harry prattled on about the history of the grounds and the mark Bram Stoker made on the town. Harry asked Severus what made him choose Whitby for their date and Severus explained that he had attended a Potions Conference some years back and he had fallen in love with the beauty of the county-side, the character of the town, and a humble little restaurant by the name of Theo's, owned by a Greek-American man whose father grew up in Greece, immigrated to the U.S., and opened a restaurant. The son followed in his father's footsteps by also opening a Greek-Italian-American restaurant, but he diverted in that he chose to make his way in life "across the pond."
They climbed back down the hill. Harry thanked him for the stroll and remarked how excited he was to finally visit Whitby and climb the famous "99 steps".
As they made their way towards Theo's Harry kept hold of his arm and, to his surprise, added his other hand.
After a few moments Harry leaned his head against the side of his shoulder. "You mind?" Harry asked.
"Not at all," Severus replied.
"Are you having a nice time?"
"I am."
"I feel foolish for being so nervous."
"Don't be. I'm sure it's normal." Harry hummed in response and they walked in silence. Severus started, hesitated, and finally admitted, "Three times."
"Three times what?" Harry asked after a moment.
"I changed my robes three times." Harry looked up and smiled. Severus quirked his lips in response.
They arrive at Theo's and were given a table right away. Severus pulled out a chair and Harry blushed when he realized that it was for him. Severus decided he very much liked seeing Harry blush. After placing their drink order they looked over the menu. Harry asked Severus what he recommended, who replied with half a dozen of his favorite selections. Harry finally decided to try the Texan Chili (without the onions) while Severus chose the Gyro (without the tzatziki sauce and with feta cheese added). The rest of their dinner continued very much like dinners at Hogwarts, which put Severus a bit at ease, with the exception of the occasional exchanged of small smiles and blushes. They conversed, as they often do, on potions Severus wanted to experiment with next, books that either of them had recently read or planned to read, ideas that Harry had for his DADA classes, frustrations over poorly written essays, and so on.
And then their conversation took a turn. After they asked each other about thoughts they had for next summer, Harry began to talk about the more distant future and what he hoped to have and achieve in life. He described how much he enjoyed spending time with little Teddy, Remus and Tonk's son, and remarked that he hoped to one day to have someone special to spend his life and raise a child with. He asked Severus if raising a child was something he was ever interested in. Severus admitted that it was something he hadn't considered a possibility, but that it didn't mean he wouldn't changed his mind one day. At first Severus was a bit uncomfortable at the change in topics. He felt like he was being put on the spot and he found that he cared what Harry would think of his responses. But, to his relief, Harry smiled, nodded, and didn't seem to be disappointed nor think less of him.
The talked long after finishing dinner. They continued even as they suppressed yawns of impending sleepiness.
"Sev, I loved our evening and don't want it to end but if we stay any longer you'll have to carry me to my quarters," Harry dreamily observed.
Severus blushed at the thought of carrying Harry, much less to his quarters. "Indeed, it is quite late. I should take us back." Severus paid the check and Harry thanked him for dinner and a wonderful evening. "It was my pleasure, Harry," Severus said with a soft smile. They left Theo's and walked side by side down the lane. Severus looked down at Harry and quirked his lips when he grabbed onto his arm, like before.
Then Severus stopped and looked around. "This will do. Hold on tight." He spun on the spot, apparating himself and Harry back to the grounds just outside Hogwarts. They passed through the gates and made their way up to the castle, Hary's ever-present hand on his arm warming Severus' heart. But as they neared the castle door, Severus became nervous at the thought of being seem by the portraits, ghosts, and patrolling staff alike. But before he could say anything he felt the warmth of Harry's hand leave him.
"Should we say our goodnights here?" Harry asked.
Severus gave a short nod, relieved that he wasn't the one to suggest it. "This is fine."
"I'm not ashamed to be seen with you," Harry assured him. "I just would rather not give anyone reason to talk, not now anyway, you know?"
Severus nodded. "I agree."
"I really enjoyed tonight," said Harry with a soft smile.
Severus swallowed nervously, fixated by the sweet words and smile. He wanted desperately to kiss those lips, but didn't know how that would be received. "Would you like to do this again sometime?" he asked, hoping Harry would say yes.
Harry grinned. "Yes, definitely!"
Severus nodded and didn't bother to fight the smile on his face. "Next weekend?"
"That would be perfect."
Severus was happy. He had a wonderful time, apparently so did Harry, and another outing would be in the near future. But he was nervous still. It was about time for them to part ways and he didn't know if a kiss would be welcomed or be considered appropriate. He decided not to take the chance. "It is late and we should say our goodnights."
Harry nodded and took a step closer. He tilted his face up and smiled. "Yes, we should."
Severus just looked at Harry in surprise when he realized that he wasn't moving. It was as if Harry was expecting a kiss. He leaned down a bit, brought his hand to Harry's cheek (who, Severus noted, smiled a little bigger), and then in a moment more magical than magic itself, two pairs of lips came together and pressed longingly.
The warm sensation of soft lips pressing firmly was addictive but both men restrained themselves to the one kiss. They pulled away reluctantly.
Harry smiled, gave a happy-sounding sigh, and touched the other man's cheek. "G'night, Sev."
" 'Night, Harry," Severus replied softly. He watched as Harry took a couple steps back, turned around, and headed up the stairs and into the castle. He stood still a few moments more and then shook himself from his daze. He headed into the castle and made his way to the dungeons, too lost in his thoughts to notice the curious ghosts and portraits he passed by. When he arrived in his quarters he sat on the couch that faced the fireplace, already lit with a fire that a house elf had started for him.
He smiled as he stared into the fire and replayed the highlights of his date with Harry. He admitted to himself that he thoroughly enjoyed their time together. Thinking about the way Harry touched him and held his arm and the kiss they shared at the end made his chest tighten with warmth and yearning for more. He never considered himself a romantic. He never entertained hopes of love, marriage, or family. But he very much enjoyed Harry's company and kisses. Yes, if he was honest, he would say that he considered Harry a friend. But now, having had more intimate contact with him, he admitted to himself that he did indeed want more than friendship.
Was it just sex, just hormones?, he asked himself. For awhile he has caught himself becoming aroused at the way Harry looked, daydreaming about doing wicked things to him, and fantasized about him for more nights and mornings than he cared to admit. But that alone doesn't indicate that romance or a serious relationship was desired.
He went to bed and thought again about Harry's little touches, the way he held onto him, and their goodnight kiss. His lips tingled at the memory, his chest tightened, and he could feel himself become aroused. Why not, he decided. He stroked himself, lazily at first and then with more vigor. But instead of wicked fantasies of sweaty, kinky, self-centered sexual gratification in which he took from Harry what he wanted for his own pleasure or pleasured Harry just for the sake of his own ego, scenes of sweetness, romance, and everything he had once sniffed at for being frivolous and weak were what filled his mind. And, as strange as it was, it was the thought of placing a ring on a tanned finger, shining green eyes, beaming smile, and shared "I love you"s that sent him over the edge.
He laid still, panting as his body slowly settled down from his climax. The fantasies were very uncharacteristic of him, but he didn't mind. In fact, he found that the afterglow was much more satisfying; he didn't feel the twinge of guilt or emptiness that he usually experienced.
His last thought before surrendering to the sandman was wondering if a serious relationship could really work between them.
