Sorry it has been so long since there has been an update. I still own nothing.

Chapter 10

The next morning when Severus awoke there was an unfamiliar weight across his chest. When he opened his eyes and looked down Harry's arm was draped across his body. For a few moments Severus froze not knowing what to do. Should he lie there and wait for Harry to wake up? Should he try to move out from under the arm? How would Harry react if he woke up in this position? Severus didn't know the answer to those questions but he decided to stay where he was. Whatever reaction Harry would have would allow Severus a bit of insight as to if Harry would ever return his feelings. Oh how he hoped that he would.

A little while later Harry started to stir and had somehow managed to snuggle up closer to the older man. Harry's eyes opened for a brief moment and a smile formed on his lips. A couple of moments later his eyes opened and looked up at Severus, noticed that his eyes were open and fixed on his. Noticing the position that he was in Harry suddenly moved away.

Severus had to hold back a whimper that wanted to desperately escape his lips at the loss of contact. "Good morning." Severus managed to say after a minute of silence.

"Good morning." Harry said as his cheeks became flushed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..." Harry wasn't sure how to finish his statement but Severus didn't give him a chance to.

"It's okay Harry." Severus said. For the next few moments it seemed like a million questions ran through his head. If he was not mistaken he did see Harry smile after he had initially woke up and opened his eyes. What he said next might make or break what could be but he would definitely tread lightly.

"I want to ask you something," Severus started, "and I want you to be completely honest with me no matter what. Will you do that?"

Harry looked at the older man questioningly. But after a moment or two he agreed, nodding his head.

"How did you feel when you first woke up this morning?"

"Before I answer that, I would just like to ask you something first." Harry paused and Severus gave him a nod telling him to continue. "No matter what I say, if it's not the answer you want to hear, can we still have tea from time to time and could I still come to you if I need someone to talk to?"

At Harry's words Severus couldn't help but think that he was going to get rejected. But no matter what, he would make sure that he would always be there for Harry.

"Of course." Severus then looked into Harry's eyes. "I will always be here for you." The eye contact was to assure Harry that his words were sincere.

"Okay," Harry took a deep breath before he proceeded to answer Severus' question. "When I woke up I felt comfortable. Safe. And for the first time in as long as I can remember I didn't have any nightmares."

"Why did you feel so safe?" Severus asked next.

Harry took another deep breath, wondering if he should answer this question truthfully. The last thing he wanted to do was push his new companion away. After a few moments he decided to answer honestly. "Because I was here," Harry paused and Severus was about to say something when the younger man finished, "with you."

Severus was slightly shocked and Harry could see it written all over the Potion Master's face and he started to panic. "I'm sorry Severus, you asked me to be honest and I am being honest, if it makes you uncomfortable I'm so sorry. I knew that I shouldn't have stated, I shouldn't have asked you to stay in here with me. I should have let you go back to your own bed. I was being selfish and, and, I'm just so sorry." Harry had blurted out his rant so fast that if Severus hadn't been paying close attention he wouldn't have understood half of what was said.

Harry was flushed and breathing a bit heavier than normal. He was looking down at his hands that were fidgeting with the sheets on the bed, wanting to look up at Severus but couldn't quite force his eyes to do the normally simple act. But if Harry would have been able to look up he would have seen that Severus' face was full of compassion and there was a smile on his lips.

"Harry, first off I asked you to stay because I wanted to and when you asked me to stay in this bed I must admit that it was I who was being selfish. I didn't even think that you would remember telling me to stay, but I stayed none the less of my own accord."

By the time Severus was done speaking Harry had looked up from his hands. What he saw made him slightly gasp. The way Severus was looking at him made the older wizard look at least ten years younger. His features were softer and less strained from what the students of Hogwarts were used to seeing. Harry had never seen the older wizard look better.

"So," Harry started, "what are you saying?" Harry couldn't help but hold his breath, hoping that Severus would say what he wanted to hear.

"I had a realization last night, an epiphany if you will, and I came to a conclusion. I know why my emotions ran wild yesterday, I didn't know at the time but while I sat on the edge of my bed last night the answer just came to me. I am attracted to you Harry. And if my observations are correct you at least feel a little something for me as well. I would be honored if you would give me the chance to show you what I could offer." Severus paused for a brief moment then continued. "Harry, would you give me the pleasure of your company and go to dinner with me this coming Friday evening?"

Harry was surprised at the words Severus had spoken. He had developed a crush on his Potions Master over the past few months but he would have never expected for Severus to feel anything other than friendship. "I would love to go to dinner with you." was Harry's reply.

At those words Severus couldn't help but gather the Gryffindor into his arms in a warm embrace. Harry relaxed his head onto the older mans shoulder and the two men stayed in that position for quite sometime.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and Severus was the one that broke the comfortable silence. "Harry, as much as I would love to stay here like this all day,d There are some things that I must take care of before our date on Friday. Also, I'm sure that your friends would like to know as to why you never returned last night to your room."

"I don't want to go either, I never thought that something like this would ever happen. I do have to admit that I have had a crush on you for sometime now."

"Hmmm, really? You hid it well. I was skeptical about letting you know my feelings. My heart was beating a million miles a minute."

"I'm glad you did." Harry stated as he looked at Severus with caring eyes.

"As am I Harry. As am I."

"Severus?" Harry asked.

"Yes?"

"Can I tell Ron and Hermione? I'm sure they will keep it to themselves."

"You can tell whomever you would like to."

"But if it gets back to Dumbledore or something you would get sacked wouldn't you?"

"What makes you think that?" Severus asked a little amused.

"Isn't it against the rules or something? I mean, I know that Dumbledore would do what he could to deep that from happening but it the Ministry found out..." Harry knew that his words would get the point across.

"Why don't you let me know if it is against the rules after you have spoken with Miss Granger. I'm sure that she knows every rule possible."

"You mean you don't know?"

"It wouldn't matter. I would gladly resign from my position if it gave me the chance to get to know you on a more personal level. If what I feel for you now is only a taste of what could be then I would do just about anything to find out."

Harry was taken aback by Severus' words that he didn't realize that his question was avoided. The thought that Severus would be willing to give up a career that he has had for most of his life made Harry's heart flutter.

"Severus, when can I come see you again? I don't want to have to wait all week. Friday seems like a lifetime away."

"I will see if I can arrange something. If I do I will contact you but I cannot guarantee anything."

Harry's bottom lip stuck out as he made a pouting face at Severus.

"Don't look at me that way. I don't want to go all week without seeing you either. Alone that is, I will see you in class however."

"I'm sorry." Harry said.

"No apologies are necessary. Now get dressed, I have a lot that I will need to get done today."

Harry got off of the bed and went into the bathroom where his clothes were still folded on the shelf where he had placed them. He quickly changed, folded the pajamas and carried them out of the bathroom.

Severus had already transfigured the bed back into his sofa by the time Harry emerged from the other room. He looked up and smiled when he saw Harry. "It is nearly lunchtime. I'm sure you can meet up with your friends in the Great hall. I will see you later Harry."

At Severus' words Harry sat the clothes down on the arm of the sofa and walked towards the door that led to the halls of the dungeons.

"Wait." Severus said and by the time Harry had spun around the older wizard was only a few feet away. Severus took the last few steps and brought Harry into his arms. After some moments had past he released Harry. "That should hold me over for a while. Now go before I change my mind and not let you leave."

"That would be alright by me." stated Harry.

"Go." Severus said with a smirk on his face while playfully pushing Harry toward the door.

"Okay." Harry said. "I'll see you later."

Before Severus could move and before Harry lost his nerve he quickly gave the older man a kiss on the cheek and walked away.

Severus watched the Gryffindor until he rounded a corner and was out of sight. He then went into his chambers to get ready for the day. It was definitely going to be a long conversation with the Headmaster that he knew he must have.

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