Summary, Warnings, Notes, & Disclaimers posted with earlier chapters.

Thank you's: Wow – 29 reviews for ch.6 and _ reviews total! Squeal! Thank you so much to my reviewers of ch. 6: Lou, Lynn92, BlookenBslk, joytiger, StoryReader9, GoddessonmyKnees,mayajane, pschokitty, TaeMint, Fringie7, xXxButtercupxXx1, CallieLongworth, yngoldfogee, Black-Velvet-Hearts, BloodAsh22, Linda, LeanaiSTL, YetAnotherJanewayFan, Rori Potter, Darkhellia, GabrielsDoubt, JaylaCaine, SparklingBoobs, omgitskirby, Azrael Jinsei, Rori Potter, Daddys little crazy bitch, and guests.

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Someone asked about the Pensieve… Sev was talking outloud, trying to figure out how the Dark Lord discovered his secrets. You will find out in a later chapter why he considered that as a possibility… (Hmm… did he deposit some of his memories there? If so, who saw his memories?)

Please review! Thanks!

HPSS HPSS HPSS

Ch. 7: Tea For Two –Part Two

IN PROF. SNAPE'S PERSONAL QUARTERS, CONTINUING WHERE THE LAST CHAPTER LEFT OFF

Severus' heart was in his throat as he gazed upon the young man, relaxed and eyes closed, and imagined that he looked that way in his sleep. Feeling a bit guilty for letting his mind go there, he brushed away the thought. His mind wandered and he remembered something Harry had said. Typical Gryffindor, he thought affectionately. "So… you didn't expect that it would work and you didn't plan to do it. You just… did it without thinking," he said with a raised eyebrow and amused expression.

"Don't say it," Harry warned.

"What?" Severus asked innocently.

Harry opened his eyes and raised an eyebrow in imitation of the Potions Master. "'Typical Gryffindor,'" he said flatly.

Severus smirked. "You said it, not me. And tonight I can say is the first time that I owe my life to and am thankful for that." His eyes softened and he smiled.

Harry laughed quietly. "I never thought I would ever hear that." He looked away and sipped his tea. "You know, the hat wanted to put me in Slytherin," he added almost inaudibly.

Severus' eyes widened "Really? !" He narrowed his eyes and quirked his lips in an amused smile. "I wonder what other secrets you are hiding."

Harry shrugged uncomfortably.

"Why did the hat put you in Gryffindor?"

"Because I didn't want to be in Malfoy's house. He was rude to my new friend Ron when we were on the train to Hogwarts."

Severus looked at him carefully. "How loyal. Sounds like you should have been sorted into Hufflepuff."

Harry glared playfully. "Git," he said quietly.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Git who saved your arse more times than you can count." His mouth twitched as he turned away. "Prat," he said under his breath, just before taking a sip of tea.

"Prat who saved you from a fate worse than death," Harry grinned.

Severus tried hard to suppress the grin threatening to break out on his own face. "My, my, a bit arrogant are we? Especially considering that you had no idea what you were doing."

Harry sputtered. "I know how to kiss!"

The fight to suppress his grin was becoming more difficult. "Any fool can press a pair of lips against another. Your incompetency lies not there but rather in foreseeing its consequences. You admitted that you didn't think your kiss would save me, and you admitted that the possibility of saving me was not what you had on your mind when you did the deed."

"Um, yeah, you're right," Harry admitted sheepishly, eyes downcast.

Severus lost the fight. The blush and embarrassed expression was too cute not to be affected by it. Of course, he would never admit to thinking such soppy words as "cute." He felt his smile grow and tried desperately to rein himself in before Harry noticed. Think, think. Stop losing yourself over how… insufferable he is and focus on why he's here: to find out why and how... He took a deep breath and was comforted by the familiar sensation of restraint settling over him. "It's curious, don't you think?" he asked.

"What's curious?"

"That you of all people would break my curse, when Albus himself couldn't do it…"

Harry didn't know what to say. He felt he was being badgered with the same question over and over and he was tired of it. He had the strange feeling that the man was really asking in a round about way whether or not Harry was in love with him. This bothered Harry. Is he hoping that I am in love with him or that I'm not?, Harry wondered. Surely he hopes I'm not, he decided. Harry dared to look up at the Potions Master and found that he was looking towards the fireplace with an unreadable expression.

There must be more than one cure, obviously, since I'm not in love with him, Harry thought. So how do you feel?, another voice in Harry's mind asked. Harry realized that he didn't know the answer to that particular question. He could say with confidence that he respected him and cared for him on some level. But love? True love? The idea was ridiculous to Harry, but memories of the kisses and how much he liked them were not far from the surface of his mind. Harry wanted to believe that there was more than one cure. But then why do all the sources say there's just one? And why couldn't Dumbledore save him?

He didn't feel comfortable discussing this with the man. It was impossible to discuss how and why without implying that feelings were or were not felt. Harry didn't want to think about it, much less talk about it. He fiddled with the teacup and finally decided to set it on the table. His stomach was too knotted up to drink anymore. He sighed. "Does it matter? Does it really matter how or why?"

Severus looked at him silently, his face stoic. After a moment he looked away. "Perhaps it doesn't really matter… But it matters to me." He finished his tea and placed the cup on the table. After a few moments he added, "I've read all the literature I could get my hands on about this. I first learned of the curse when I was a child. It fascinated and frightened me, even more than Dementers, Lethifolds, and the Unforgivables. And that never changed. I've always feared that curse more than any other curse, hex, person, or magical creature. Many would call me foolish, given that the curse was in disuse for so long. But the idea of it was more frightening than anything."

"Why?"

The Potions Master turned to Harry with a pained expression.

"Are you blind? I'm ugly, cold, stubborn, mean, and not pleasant to be around! No one has ever looked upon me with interest. I have had few friends and no romantic prospects. According to the literature, there was only one known cure – "true love's kiss." I knew that if I was cursed that I would be doomed. Death would be merciful compared to a life of tortuous pain. And more than the pain from the curse itself, the pain of knowing that I would have no prince, no angel, to save me, to love me... So… as silly as it might sound, I feared it. And tonight my worst fear came true. But… you saved me. You, Harry, did the impossible. And I just have a hard time wrapping my mind around how you managed it."

The Potions Master shook his head. "None of this makes sense. None of it," he said softly. He hated how vulnerable he felt. He wondered what Harry must think of him. He hardened his face and turned to look at the fireplace.

Harry wanted to comfort him but he didn't know what to say. He didn't like that Severus had such a low opinion of himself and had no hope for love in his life. A part of him wished that he could give the man a fairy tale ending by announcing his undying love for him. But it would be unfair if that's not how I really feel. SINCE that's not how I really feel, he corrected himself. But is that what the man wanted from him? He's probably disappointed that it was me and not someone else. What could he possibly see in me anyway? I should tell him that it's probably because I felt guilty and wanted him to be okay, that I was willing to trade places with him. Yes. That's why it worked. But Harry couldn't bring himself to say that.

"I don't know why it worked… and it doesn't matter to me why. I'm just glad you're okay." Harry sighed. "You're too hard on yourself. Just because no one has expressed interest in you doesn't mean that no one has had feelings for you or that no one will ever have feelings for you."

Harry could see the man roll his eyes and huff as if in disbelief.

"Just because some people think you're ugly doesn't mean that everyone does. I'm sure that some people find you rather attractive…" Harry trailed off, not willing to admit that he himself found the man attractive. Yes, he's elegant and striking. Nothing wrong with noticing that. "And you aren't all together unpleasant to be aro –"

"You don't have to spare my feelings," Severus interrupted.

"I'm being honest." Dark eyes looked at Harry so intensely that he felt shy and looked down. "Do you really think that no one could ever be interested in you? Do you really think so little of yourself?"

A loud huff made Harry look up. His professor was leaning back into the couch, arms crossed in front of his chest and eyes looking off into the distance.

"I think of myself as a realist. I know who I am. And I know what I look like… Hope is… a luxury…" He paused. "If you had asked me that yesterday, I would have said, without a doubt in my mind, indeed, no one could ever be interested in the likes of me." He paused again, and then continued painfully. "Since waking up, even now, yes, there is a big part of me that does have hope. And… more than that… believes it's really possible. But, there is the other part of me that thinks I'm a fool for doing so."

"You're not a fool for hoping. You should hope." Harry wanted to say more but he couldn't form the words. As he looked at the quiet man an awful realization came to him. It surprised him that it hadn't occurred to him earlier. "Was… was I your first…?" Severus didn't say anything, just closed his eyes and turned his head away. His stoic face and silent answer pained Harry. "I'm sorry."

"I don't need your pity," Severus bit out. Of all the things that irritated him the most, being pitied was near the top of the list.

"No, that's not what I –" Harry shook his head. "I need to apologize. It's bad enough that I did that without thinking, without consideration to you. But it's worst that it was your first. Your first should be special."

Severus sighed. He didn't want Harry to regret the kisses. "It was. What could be more special than my first being the one that saved me from a curse that I always imagined I wouldn't survive?" he said softly, the cold and bitterness having melted away.

"But it should be from your true love," Harry argued.

"That doesn't matter to me." Severus turned to look at Harry, who seemed unconvinced. "Was your first kiss with your true love?" Severus asked.

"Uh, no, but –"

"Then don't worry about it."

"But I shouldn't have –"

"Your kiss broke my curse. I'm grateful. That's what matters."

"But you were asleep, so you didn't have the choice to accept or reject it! Nor could you enjoy it! And–"

"Harry, stop." Severus was cradling his forehead in his hands. Foolish boy. Not only has a hero-complex, but a guilt-complex as well.

Harry didn't say a word as he watched him stand and stride to the fireplace.

Severus turned around swiftly. "What do you want me to say? You violated my person, you took something special from me, and you need to be punished?"

Harry nodded fervently, and then looked down. Agreeing with the harsh words didn't make it easy to hear.

It's a risk… "Well, then I think it's only fitting that you give me what you took from me." …I could claim that I was merely being sarcastic.

Harry looked up in confusion.

"A proper first kiss." He'll say no. And then I'll tell him he's a fool to think I really meant it.

Harry blinked. It took him a moment to process what he heard. Was his professor really asking him to kiss him? "Um, si- er, Severus, did you mean that? Are you asking me to give you your 'first kiss'?"

Severus rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to reply but Harry beat him to it.

"I'll do it," Harry said too quickly. "It is only fitting, after all," he finished more slowly, trying not to sound too eager. Harry stood up and walked slowly and quietly to Severus, who just stared at him without expression. The man stood in his usual upright and proper manner, with a neck and shoulders so stiff and face so stoic it didn't seem possible that he could be capable of tenderness or passion. But Harry knew it was possible. That evening he had seen a side of the man that most don't see. Just because he masked his vulnerability didn't mean that it wasn't there. Just because he didn't show his tenderness and passion to the world didn't mean he couldn't express it in private. Knowing this made it easier to walk towards him and prepare to do what he was about to do.

Harry looked down at the beautiful pale hands and held them. Hesitantly he brought them to his back so that the man's arms were around him. Then his hands ran along the man's arms towards his shoulders. Only then did he look back at his face. His expression had changed slightly, but Harry couldn't read it.

"You don't have to –" Severus started.

"I want to," Harry interrupted quietly. Harry touched the raven-colored hair and smiled shyly. "Your hair is so soft," he whispered. Ebony eyes closed for a moment and pale lips quirked slightly into the barest semblance of a smile. The usually-cold eyes were now open and boring into Harry's with an unexpected warmth. Harry moved one hand to the back of his head and moved the other to the man's cheek. He brushed his fingers lightly on the pale cheek, cupped the side of his face with his palm, and then stroked him with his thumb. Severus closed his eyes and leaned slightly into Harry's warm hand. That's when Harry tilted his head up and kissed him. Severus responded immediately, pressing his lips to Harry's with equal measure.

He didn't allow himself to contemplate how Harry might feel about him; it was enough for him to live in the present moment. It was perfect. He didn't want it to end. All too soon he felt Harry's lips pull away. But before he had a chance to feel heartache over the loss, there was a second kiss, and a third… His arms were already wrapped loosely around Harry's waist, but now he pressed his palms flat against his back, felt the body heat radiating through his shirt, and pulled him closer.

Severus felt something strange. Harry was running his fingers through his hair, tangling his fingers in it, and lightly massaging his scalp! Severus wondered why he would want to do that and why he kept kissing him. Severus hadn't expected Harry to give him more than one. But he certainly wasn't complaining and wasn't about to reject any kindness thrown his way. Not now. Feeling Harry's lips on his and fingers in his hair felt so nice that his heart swelled with contentment and he unconsciously pulled the young man yet even closer to him. Time didn't exist. Nothing existed, save for the happiness and sweetness that his angel, his savior, was giving him.

And then out of nowhere Severus was startled by something wet brushing against his lips, making both his mouth and something deep within him tingle. He gasped quietly.

Harry was lost. He was drowning in the pleasant physical sensations of kissing Severus, feeling his soft hair between his fingers, and being wrapped in his arms. His mind didn't linger on thoughts, but when he did, he most certainly didn't allow himself to dwell on how much he enjoyed kissing the man and how he didn't want to stop. He told himself that it was Severus who wanted to be kissed and as long as Severus kissed him back, he would continue to give the man what he asked for – never mind that he asked for a proper first kiss and not kisses. When Harry felt Severus kiss him back eagerly and pull him closer, he took it as a sign that he was enjoying the kisses and perhaps wanted even more. He wanted a proper first kiss and that's exactly what Harry would give him.

Of course, it was only because that's what Severus wanted.

Or, at least that's what he told himself as he parted his lips and took the kiss up a notch...

He heard Severus gasp. The gasp alone would likely have made Harry worry that he took the kiss too far and prepare himself for angry words. But the gasp was accompanied by a slight lean into the kiss. Harry ran his tongue along Severus' lip, lingering longer than before. And in response, Severus gasped again, leaned in further, and squeezed Harry's back with his hands.

Is that…? Is he…?! Oh Merlin…! Severus didn't realize that he was leaning into Harry's kisses, nor that he was squeezing and pulling him closer. All he knew was that that this new sensation was both scary and wonderful and did things to him that he didn't know a kiss could do. He was ashamed for gasping but couldn't help it. How could such tingling, warmth, and dizziness come from merely this? For a moment he wondered why Harry was doing… that… Just one brief chaste kiss was all he expected.

Severus' thoughts were interrupted by a whisper. Soft words that didn't make sense. "What?" he asked in confusion, his own whisper barely audible. A kiss. A lick. The whisper was repeated, breath and words tickling his lips. "Kiss me back"? Does he mean…? Severus was nervous as hell. He had never done that before. What if he did it wrong?! But he would rather risk doing it wrong and be ridiculed than to throw away this opportunity. So Severus tried his best to imitate what Harry did to him. When Harry let out a tiny gasp and a whispered "Good. Just like that," Severus relaxed and felt encouraged to do it again. Another gasp and another whisper: "Open your mouth." "Why?" he asked incredulously. "So I can kiss you," he was answered. Severus squeezed his eyes tight. He suspected what Harry was about to do but couldn't believe it was really happening. Oh, sweet Merlin! Anchoring himself with the feeling of his arms wrapped around Harry and the warm hands tangled in his hair, he opened his mouth, bit by bit, encouraged by Harry's continued touches.

Nothing could prepare Severus for the sensation of his mouth suddenly being filled by Harry's tongue. He fought the panic threatening to wash over him and focused on the safe feeling of the embrace. The sensation of Harry exploring his mouth and stroking his tongue was all at once scary, strange, overwhelming, wonderful, sweet, addictive, and indescribable.

Severus didn't know what he was supposed to do. Just stand there and let Harry… do that? Or was he supposed to participate equally? At the same time or take turns? What if he did it wrong? But before Severus could work out the most plausible answers, his body took over and disregarded all worries his mind had. He melted into Harry, kissing him back with equal enthusiasm. He didn't worry over the origin of the soft moans coming from their mouths and nor feel shame at the thought it might be from him. He gave himself completely into the kiss and became drunk with happiness.

Nothing existed for either man but the wonderful sensations and the happiness they felt. No worries and no awareness of time plagued them.

The warmth and tingling sensations spread throughout Severus' body. He never felt so alive. He didn't know kissing would feel this wonderful. But then the heat intensified in a particular location and Severus realized that he had become aroused. He was horrified. Harry mustn't know! He fought the urge to push Harry away from him; that would only make him wonder why and perhaps he'll look down and notice. Instead, Severus used every ounce of mental focus and magic he had to stay calm and bring his body back to normalcy. It didn't take long, thankfully.

Severus gave himself just one last moment to enjoy the kiss and then he attempted to break it off, feeling awkward. He hated to end the kiss, but he felt too exhausted to fight another arousal and he was feeling out of breath. Mouths now separated, Severus was just about to open his eyes and pull completely out of the embrace when Harry rested his head on his chest. Harry's hands untangled themselves from Severus' hair and drifted down to his back.

Standing there quietly and awkwardly with his arms loosely around the young man's waist, Severus wondered anxiously what he should do next. What do you say after a kiss? What do you say after a kiss like that under circumstances like this? He didn't kiss me because he loves me, but because I asked him. A tiny voice argued back: Yes, but he gave much more than just a brief chaste one, didn't he? Severus sighed, exhausted from trying to figure Harry out. His mind was racing and he longed for those blissful moments during the kiss when time and thought didn't exist.

Harry was also feeling awkward. As Severus pulled away from the kiss, the haziness in Harry's mind slowly began to clear and he realized he had a problem. He rested his head against the man's chest and panted softly, hoping to calm himself before his professor became annoyed with him and pushed him away. He didn't want his professor to think that he had become aroused by the kiss.

Moments earlier Harry was happy and worry-free. But now that the kiss was over, reality started to settle in. He insisted to himself that he kissed Severus because he asked him to, because he deserved it. But he knew it wasn't entirely true. He wanted to kiss his professor again. Kissing his professor should not have felt so good, so right. But it did. The kiss felt good, and his body simply responded to that. Harry acknowledged these thoughts but he went no further. He didn't allow himself to consider the implications.

The silence and being in Harry's embrace was lovely and awkward at the same time. Severus knew that one of them needed to say something, but he had never been at such a loss for words. His mouth opened before he knew what to say. "That wasn't quite what I was expecting." Well, now that was idiotic. Why couldn't something more intelligent fall from my lips?

"Oh… I'm sorry," Harry apologized, quickly pulling down his arms and stepping away. He kept his eyes on the floor. If Severus wasn't okay with being kissed like that, why did he let me? Why did he participate eagerly? I even heard him moan!

"Don't be." A moment earlier Severus would have been eager for the awkwardness of the embrace to end. But as soon as Harry stepped away from him, Severus missed his warmth.

"Um, okay… Well, then… uh… was it okay for you?" Harry asked, feeling insecure and shoving his hands in his pockets.

Severus hesitated. It was perfect. "It was acceptable."

"Oh," said Harry, disappointment in his voice. "I'm sorry I didn't make it more enjoyable for you."

Severus sighed at the young man's apparent insecurity. "Harry, when do you ever hear me give an evaluation more complimentary than 'acceptable'?"

"Never."

"Exactly."

"So, you're not easy to please?"

Severus rolled his eyes. "When I tell students their work is 'acceptable', what grade do they end up with on their exams?"

"Um, well, you never said anything nicer to Hermione than 'acceptable' but she got an Outstanding on her OWL."

"That's correct."

"Um… so…?" He shuffled his feet.

Severus' stomach knotted. He didn't want to admit outright how much he enjoyed it. "Harry, if you're fishing for compliments, –."

"No, that's not wh – ! I just want to make sure you're not disappointed!"

Severus cradled his forehead and shook his head. "I'm not."

"But you said it wasn't… wasn't what you wanted?"

"It wasn't what I expected. I was quite surprised that one, you agreed to it, and two, that it was much more than a single, brief, and chaste kiss." He started to add he was only being sarcastic in the first place, that he hadn't actually intended for Harry to kiss him, but something stopped him.

"Oh!" Harry's face was flushed with embarrassment. "So, why did you let me?"

Because I wanted it. I wanted it desperately. He shrugged. "I'm Slytherin. I take what opportunities are given to me," he tried to say casually.

Harry nodded. "Of course." He wished that those words didn't hurt. He wasn't even sure why they hurt.

Severus looked, really looked, at Harry and his heart ached. He had no way of knowing how the Gryffindor truly felt, but his expression and tone of voice was painful to Severus. He hated thinking he was the cause of it. He couldn't bear it. He looked down at his feet. "I… didn't mean that like it sounded…" The words were hard to say. He wasn't a man that apologized often.

Harry stood quietly for just a few moments, but it felt like forever to Severus. "Then what did you mean?"

"I…" His mouth was dry and his heart began to race. He didn't anticipate that question. He couldn't avoid it, but neither could he answer it. How could he answer that without appearing weak and without Harry knowing how he really felt about him? "You offered a gift that I couldn't – I… didn't want… to say 'no' to." Is it possible to die from a racing heart?

Harry didn't say anything, but Severus was too afraid to look at him. A little voice nagged him. Would you rather preserve your image and he be hurt, or set it aside and make him happy? There was no question in his mind what he would rather, but it still didn't make it easy. He squeezed his eyes tight and prayed to Merlin that he wouldn't live to regret it.

"It was… perfect," he whispered weakly.

Silence.

"What?" Harry asked, breathily.

Severus willed his heart to stop thudding so loudly and fast, but his heart wouldn't listen. "It… was a perfect first kiss," he finally managed, barely above a whisper. He waited for his world to come crashing down

Harry looked up sharply, the movement catching the corner of Severus' eyes. He was afraid to look but he couldn't resist. He peeked through the curtains of his hair. Harry was beaming. The big smile was quickly restrained into a more reserved one, but his eyes continued to shine. Severus' heart relaxed a bit and grew warm with happiness. It was worth it. If Severus had the power, he would do anything to be the reason for such sunshine… for every day for the rest of his life.

Harry was relieved. He could hear not only the sincerity in the man's voice, but also how difficult it was for him to tell him. That made it mean all the more to him. Severus was a good man, and he was glad that he was the one to give him such a gift. It was the least he could do considering how much the man had done for him over the years and how little he had appreciate it all until recently.

Harry nodded. "Great. I'm glad." He laughed and ran his hand through his hair nervously. "I'm glad it was more than merely acceptable, because you deserve more, much more, than that."

Severus had had a small smile on his face but at Harry's last words it fell. He looked away.

The change in expression did not go unnoticed by Harry. He saw it. And he knew. "Sev," he said softly, hesitantly putting his hand on the man's arm. He felt it tense for a moment but he didn't move his hand away.

Severus closed his eyes. Hearing the shortened version of his name in that lovely voice, for the first time, in such a gentle tone, was like music to his ears. Feeling the warmth of Harry's hand on his arm was like a balm.

"You do deserve to be happy," Harry said. "And you deserve to be loved... I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks so."

"You sound like Albus," Severus muttered.

Harry groaned. "Warn me if my eyes start to twinkle."

Severus cracked a small smile. "Don't worry. I doubt you could ever rise to the level of his insanity."

Harry laughed and his heart lightened further when he saw the older man's smile grow a little bit. He then realized his hand was still on the man's arm. He let it drift down and then he shoved his hands into his pockets, not sure what else to do with them.

For a few moments they shared a couple glances and then looked away. But then smiles and lightened hearts gave way to nervousness and awkwardness.

Severus didn't want the evening to end but the silence was getting uncomfortable and he didn't know what else to say. "It's getting late."

"Yeah, you're right," Harry agreed quickly.

"Can you find your way back?"

"Oh, sure, no problem."

Severus gave a curt nod, turned and walked to a desk, and began to write something on a scrap of parchment. Harry watched him, thinking something was… different. Harry slowly walked towards him. "What is that?"

"Hall pass. It's past curfew." Severus walked towards Harry, meeting him halfway.

"Oh, right. Thanks." Harry took the parchment from the man almost regretfully and just stared down at it. He realized what had changed. The man before him was no longer Severus. He was now Professor Snape. He could practically feel that the man's aura had receded, feel the invisible walls built back around him, feel the warmth retreat behind a cold mask. This made him sad.

"Go on, Mr. Potter. It wouldn't do for your dormmates to wake up early and wonder where you were."

Harry nodded. "Good night, sir." After seeing the curt nod of farewell he turned away and walked reluctantly towards the portrait entrance. He felt an unexpected lump in his throat and tightness in his chest. The evening had ended and they were no longer simply two men drawn together by strange circumstances; they now resumed their roles as student and professor.

Severus followed Harry to the portrait entrance. Since he was walking more slowly, he saw Harry get further away from him. Leaving him. Soon he would be gone. Tomorrow they would once again be professor and student, Harry would take his NEWTs and finish out the year, and finally Harry would board the train to leave Hogwarts. He would be gone from Severus' life. It wasn't a pleasant thought, but he could accept it. He had forgotten that he promised Harry he would tell him about his mom and it didn't occur to him that Harry might want to ever see him again, for any reason.

With every step the lump in Harry's throat was growing, the tightness in his chest was becoming tighter and more uncomfortable, and there was a rock in his gut that was becoming heavier. When he reached the portrait entrance he turned around. "Sev…"

The man stopped walking, cocked his head slightly, looking at him curiously. Harry leaned back against the wall, unconsciously placing a hand at his tight, uncomfortable chest. Severus took a few steps closer, in silence, expression unreadable.

Harry fought the lump in his throat. "Do you think we could be friends?"

Severus stared. Could they be friends? Would he be able to tolerate the warmth and nearness of Harry, knowing he wouldn't be his? Would it be too hard, awkward or would it be better than nothing? A small voice suggested that perhaps if he gave Harry the chance to get to know him, if they spent time together as friends, perhaps Harry would grow to love him. But Severus brushed away the thought. He couldn't allow himself to indulge in such a far-fetched hope. No. If he were to be Harry's friend, it would be with the assumption that there would be nothing more than friendship between them. Severus was so lost in thought he hadn't realized how long he stood there without giving a response.

"Well, uh, I'll understand if you don't want to but I'd like to get to know you better… and it's not just because you knew my mom. But if you were her best friend and she's a wonderful as Lupin said she was, well, then I'm sure you're the kind of person I'd want to be friends with… And, I… enjoyed our visit tonight..." Harry trailed off.

Severus' heart pained at Harry's obvious discomfort but cheered at Harry's last words. "Yes, I would like that very much," he finally replied. "I, too, enjoyed our visit." He allowed a small smile to grace his lips.

Harry's face relaxed and broke out into a very relieved, very happy grin.

"Not until summer, of course," Severus added.

Harry cocked his head. "Why not now? I'm friends with Hagrid."

Severus pursed his lips, but before he could reply Harry added, "Never mind. I get it. Kind of hard to intimidate students if they think you're capable of being friendly with one of us."

Severus blinked. He didn't expect that. He gave a short nod, wishing it didn't have to be that way. "Not to mention that we wouldn't want your classmates to give you a hard time for being friends with the nasty dungeon bat."

Harry laughed. "I don't care what they think!"

Severus blinked, again surprised by the Gryffindor standing before him. He really didn't know what to say to that.

"Well, I guess it's goodbye then, Severus. I'll see you this summer."

Severus nodded. "Goodbye, Harry. And thank you, again…" He took in the happiness radiating from Harry's face and committed to memory the look of shining green eyes and beaming smile directed at him.

And then Harry turned, left through the portrait door, and Severus' sunshine was gone. Summer couldn't come fast enough.

HPSS HPSS HPSS

MINUTES LATER, IN THE GRYFFINDOR 7TH YEAR BOYS' DORMROOM

Harry was relieved that he didn't run into staff on patrol, wandering ghosts, and Peeves the poltergeist. He was just as thankful that his roommates were still asleep and didn't stir as he quietly undressed and got into bed. As he pulled up the covers and got settled into bed he realized how incredibly exhausted he was. He drifted off to sleep with thoughts of sharing pleasant conversation, smiles, and kisses with Severus. He was too happy and sleepy to be bothered by it.

HPSS HPSS HPSS

MEANWHILE, IN THE POTIONS MASTER'S QUARTERS

Severus sat on the couch, staring into the fireplace for several minutes, playing back over and over in his mind his favorite moments of the evening. A small part of him was disappointed that Harry didn't love him, at least not in that way. But it didn't bother him as much as he would have thought it would. He enjoyed their evening together, despite the uncomfortable moments, and Harry wanted to be friends! He was genuinely surprised that Harry would want that.

He made his way to his bedroom, still lost in thought. He undressed slowly down to his briefs leaving his clothes on the floor where he dropped them. Normally he was quite meticulous about putting everything where they belong, and neatly. But he was too tired and lost in thoughts of a certain green-eyed angel. Cocooned and cushioned by the softest sheets, quilt, and pillows he could afford, he closed his eyes and in minutes was asleep. His last thoughts were of the incredible kisses Harry gave him and the hope that one day his heart would turn to someone who would return his feelings and who would want to kiss him everyday just like that.

HPSS HPSS HPSS

Oh, poor Sev! In love with a man who doesn't love him back… or does he? And poor Harry! He seems to be in denial of some deeply held feelings.

I'm not sure how many chapters are left. It'll depend on how much I develop some of the ideas that I have cooking and what direction I'll take the story, in the areas that are still up in the air. It'll probably take awhile before the next update since the next chapters need A LOT of work and in a week the fall semester starts up so I'll have a lot less free time (meaning, less time to write… sigh.)

Thank you for your loyalty and I hope you'll be there to read the next chapter when it gets posted!