Here's the next chapter, so of course it's Severus' turn to tell the story. Hope you all enjoy!
E
Chapter 4: Coz something's gotta go wrong Coz I'm feelin' way too damn good
Severus stepped off the train at the Berlin station and looked around. It had been sometime since the he had last been on German soil - before the second war, at a Potions convention. He only hoped that his translation spell was strong enough, it had been awhile since he had last needed it. All too soon, he found himself in the hub of the station, watching as humanity ran like rats around him. Steadily, he made his way through the maze to his goal. The people manning the information desk looked anything but helpful, and as he waited to be noticed, he found his observation was accurate. It took close to twenty minutes before they even noticed him and then they persisted in ignoring him. Finally, he turned to the person beside him and began to discuss with him in a rather loud voice the poor treatment he had received both on the train and in the station. The older man, who winked conspiratorially at him, agreed. Perhaps it helped that both were talking in flawless German. For whatever reason, one of the women quickly came up and began to fawningly aid them. The Potions Master graciously allowed the older man to be helped first and with a last knowing look he was soon sent on his way and it was Severus' turn.
"And how may I…"
"Just give me directions to the _ hotel and I'll be out of your way."
"Easier to just hail a taxi."
"Is it that far?"
"Nein. It is but a couple of blocks. But wouldn't you…"
"Nein. I would not." The glare he leveled was nothing like the one his students were subjected to, but that had nothing to do with her possible tolerance but rather the light blue eyes set in a pleasing face that was glamoured onto him. For Harry's sake, Lucius Malfoy could never see the traitor spy; his lover was in enough danger without Snape leading the Death Eater straight to him.
The glare still worked, however, and soon he was making his way towards an impressive building that noticeably housed an expensive and imposing hotel; obviously Harry's cover was buying his way into the fold. Damn, the one thing he had hoped the walk would help with, taking his mind off the dangers his lover was all but immersed in. Severus' coming would do neither of them the good they hoped for if he was too focused on his concern for his younger partner. The boy still had a job to finish, so this was a mere interlude until the dangerous business could be concluded. So for the next seventy-two hours, Hogwarts, Aurors, danger, and spying would be swept away. The time would be for the two of them; it was all Severus could give Harry and all Harry could afford to give Severus.
In the back of his mind, the former spy questioned whether this would even be possible. For the first time in several months, he was…excited and, dare he say, perhaps not happy but content. For him, he was feeling 'pretty damn good', to quote his younger lover. So something had to go wrong. Things never went right around the Boy-Who-Lived.
All too soon, he found himself at the brat's door. He was pleased to note that the boy had chosen a strategic placement for his room, obviously some of his lessons had stuck into that empty head. There was no one in the hallway, so there was no reason he would not be able to unlock the door. No, it was the wards that had better be plastered everywhere that might give him some trouble. The brat was scarily good at weaving near perfect wards. Severus had never been able to completely dismantle any that Harry had put up unless he had been previously keyed into them. Now, he could only hope that his lover had been optimistic enough to key him in, otherwise his surprise would be ruined. Carefully feeling his way around the wards, he was pleased to find that Harry had keyed him in from the beginning. Back door insurance - clever. The unlocking spell was a new one; he had never taught Harry that one. He hadn't known that Kingsley even knew about it. Twisting the handle, he had soon stepped into the room, gaze taking in everything in a glance.
The next second, he was flying across the room just in time to catch the thin body as the stupid boy collapsed, obviously from loss of blood. For one moment, glazed green eyes were looking up at him. It was clear the Auror was not completely cognizant.
"Must be dreaming, Sev." With that, the body went limp. Quickly, Severus had deposited the frighteningly still boy on the bed and was immediately at work on the horrific wound. He was thankful that even now he was never without his potions as his lover was in great need of blood replenishers, among other things.
How like Severus' life; just when he was finally willing to believe in happiness, something always went wrong.
Thanks for reading; please let me know what you think!