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Harry was sitting at the staff table the next morning, already on his third cup of coffee when McGonagall made the announcement. "To celebrate the beginning of a new term," she said, "students will be permitted to go on a camping trip with several of the teachers chaperoning." The students immediately began cheering. "Slytherins and Gryffindors will be going first, then Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws." Harry knew this, because they had discussed it at the staff meeting yesterday, but he was taken by surprise when McGonagall added, "For this weekend's trip, Professors Potter, Granger, and Snape will be chaperoning. I advise you to be on your best behavior, as this is a new tradition and can be easily revoked."
Severus and Harry looked at each other in surprise. Why was McGonagall making them chaperone together?
Harry shook his head as he finished his breakfast and headed to his classroom. Severus stopped him in the hallway when everyone else had disappeared around the corner and said, "I am aware that we are not speaking, but I suggest that we both act civil around each other during this trip."
Harry nodded in agreement. "I know. We have students to look after, and we shouldn't waste time arguing."
If Harry didn't know any better, he would have said the Potions Master looked impressed. Severus released his grip on Harry's robes and whirled around, heading towards the dungeons. He sighed. This would be a long weekend.
On Thursday, Harry went up to McGonagall's office - formerly Dumbledore's office - for the attendance sheet for the trip. "You can't pair me with him," he heard a deep baritone voice saying. Harry ducked around a corner out of view of the other Professors. "Can't I chaperone the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws? Or remain at Hogwarts?"
Hurt filled Harry as McGonagall said, "I'm afraid not, Severus. Slytherin is your House, and it is your responsibility to chaperone them. Besides, you and Harry need to start talking again. This feud between you and him is distracting the other Professors."
"I thought we were going to be civil around each other," said Harry angrily as he stepped into view. Severus's eyes widened. "Or does that just apply to me?" He all but snatched the attendance sheet from McGonagall and left, tears filling his eyes as he descended the staircase.
"Harry, wait!" The younger man stopped in the hallway and turned to find Severus running after him. "You've apologized to me, and now I believe it is my turn."
Harry folded his arms and glared at him. "Minerva is right, you know. We should be friends. We're better as friends. It's fine if you don't want a relationship, but I...I can't stand not talking to you. I miss you." Tears stung his eyes. "Please, Severus, please."
Severus sighed, and Harry held his breath, not daring to hope. "You may come to my rooms for tea this evening," he said. "I have a class to attend to right now."
Harry nodded. "As do I," he said. "Thank you, Severus."
Hermione squealed with excitement. "I can't believe he invited you to his rooms!" she said happily as she smoothed down a stray lock of Harry's messy hair.
"Who did?" Ron asked curiously as he walked in.
"Harry's got a date with Professor Snape tonight," she informed her boyfriend. Ron raised his eyebrows at Harry.
Harry's face burned. "It's not a date," he said quickly. "He just invited me to tea."
"To his rooms," Hermione repeated, grinning as Harry's blush deepened.
"I highly doubt we'll be doing anything other than drinking tea and talking," Harry said as Hermione finished with his tie. "Should I really be wearing a tux, Hermione? It's just tea."
"Professor Snape will love it," Hermione insisted. "You should probably leave now if you don't want to be late."
"Okay. Bye, guys." He straightened his tux as he walked down to the dungeons, muttering about the itchy fabric, and didn't get nervous until he knocked on Severus's door.
Severus opened it, and stared at Harry. "Er, come in." He turned, and Harry saw the beginnings of a smirk forming on the Potions Master's face.
"Don't you dare laugh," said Harry, pointing a finger at him. "Hermione made me wear it."
"It looks good on you," Severus said, and Harry felt his eyes widen. The older man blushed and went to get the tea. "You may sit on the sofa by the fireplace," he added, his back to Harry so the Gryffindor couldn't see his expression.
Harry took a seat, the flames in the fireplace warming him. Severus sat down next to him. "Are you all packed for tomorrow?" he asked Harry.
Harry, who wasn't very good at small talk, said, "Yeah. I just have a couple last-minute things to pack. I really hope there'll be a lake or some place where we can swim." He was rambling, and he knew it, but it was inevitable when he was nervous. Harry looked at Severus, glancing down at his lips before meeting his gaze. "I think this trip is going to be great."
"Maybe, if you can get past the fact that there'll be bugs and there won't be bathrooms, or showers, or beds," Severus said.
Harry laughed. "Oh Severus, bugs won't kill you, you know. You did make us cut up caterpillars in Potions class."
Severus shuddered. "Yes, so I didn't have to do it myself." A pause. "Have you ever been camping before?"
"Once, with the Dursleys," said Harry. "It was a nightmare." Harry told Severus tales of his first camping trip, and they both laughed when Harry got to the part about him setting a spider on Dudley. Harry had gotten in huge trouble, but it had been worth it.
"Just promise you won't set a spider on me," Severus teased.
"I'll make no such promises," Harry joked, reaching for the kettle at the same time Severus reached for it. Their fingers brushed, and Harry's heart skipped a beat. For a moment, they didn't move or speak, they simply stated at each other in a silence that spoke a million words. Harry set the kettle down as Severus's hand slid over his arm, and Harry's heart pounded in his chest. "Severus..."
That was when he realized how close they were. The Potions Master reached up and brushed his thumb against Harry's jaw. The younger boy froze, and leaned into Severus's touch. The next thing Harry knew, Severus's nose was brushing against his and-
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Harry pulled back from Severus, still able to feel the man's warm breath on his lips. Oh, how he longed to kiss him! His heart pounded wildly, and Harry struggled to get his breath back.
Severus got up and answered the door. He talked to McGonagall for a few long moments before going to sit on the couch. Harry cleared his throat awkwardly and drank his tea. Severus looked just as uncomfortable. "Now do you see?" said the Potions Master. "I lose control of myself when I am around you."
Harry put a hand on Severus's arm. "I know you, Severus," he said softly. "You don't have to hide from me. I've told you that many times before. It doesn't make you vulnerable, it just makes you human."
Severus nodded, glancing down at his arm where Harry's hand rested. Harry pulled away, but Severus caught the younger man's hand in his. "I hope we can be close," said the Potions Master.
Harry squeezed Severus's hand. "Of course," he said. "I should probably go, I need my rest for tomorrow. Goodnight, Severus."
"Goodnight, Harry."
Harry smiled to himself as he headed towards his rooms. Maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad after all.
AN: Hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Please review for more updates soon
