CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The next morning, Harry was almost late to his first class. He slipped into his seat next to Ron just as Professor Flitwick began explaining how to charm teacups to sing. As soon as they began practicing, Harry, Ron and Hermione found a quiet corner.

'How did it go, mate?'

'Tell us everything.'

Harry smiled and cast a half-hearted charm that had his teacup shudder but remain silent before putting his wand down.

'It was…amazing.'

'Really?'

'Don't sound so surprised, Ron,' said Harry. 'It was awkward at first, he was so angry that Draco had talked him into it. He thought I was playing some elaborate joke to humiliate him, or something.'

'What happened?' said Hermione.

'He got mad. He was shouting and I just couldn't let my one chance slip by, so I was just honest. I told him how much I wanted to be there with him and that I'd hoped he wanted to be there too and then I asked him to at least call me Harry while we ate.'

'And that was it?'

'Nah, it was so awkward. It was just dead silent until he finally asked me some question about Quidditch and, and used my name. Then it was still quiet like, but more comfortable. And then we stood up and I just wanted to touch him so I offered my elbow and he grabbed it so tight and then we sat together and I could feel his knee against mine and-'

'Blimey Harry, you sound like some Victorian maiden.'

Before Harry could argue, Flitwick came bustling past. The three pointed their wands at their cups. Hermione's started singing the alphabet, Harry's coughed and smoked slightly, and Ron's started screeching. By the time he managed to shut it up, his ears were flaming and the whole class was staring. When they eventually looked away Harry was able to continue his story.

'So we were sitting, and he got me a drink, but after he drank his I kissed him.'

'What?'

'He freaked out. He jumped off the sofa and just stared at me. You remember that guy Sebastian I told you about?'

'No.'

'Yes you do, Ron,' said Hermione

'Yes.'

'Well apparently Severus and he had a sort of thing in school. Severus wanted him, but Sebastian wasn't especially keen. Apparently they've sort of swapped since then though. But that's not the point, he said that there hasn't really been anyone since. So we talked some more and then I left so I kissed him again, just on the cheek like, and then he grabbed me and kissed me, properly, right on the mouth and it was amazing. Perfect, really. It was-'

'Harry!'

'Sorry, Ron.'

'Oh Ron,' said Hermione. 'I'm so happy for you, Harry. So glad it worked out. Will you see him again?'

'I hope so. I was thinking I might run down before dinner, see if he wants to take a walk.'

They trailed off as Flitwick came past again and the rest of the lesson was spent discussing the last minute plans for Ron and Hermione's wedding. By the time they left, even Ron's teacup could squeeze out a passable "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".

As soon as their last class was over, Harry sprinted down to the dungeons. He paused for a moment to catch his breath before knocking. When Severus pulled it open, Harry grinned.

'Harry.'

'Hey, Severus.'

'Come in.'

Harry followed the man inside and took a seat, some of his happiness fading when Severus sat way down the other end of the couch.

'Was there something you wanted?'

'I-You-Just,' Harry floundered. 'I guess I just wanted to see you.'

'Indeed.'

'I was wondering if you wanted to take a walk around the grounds.'

'Why would I be inclined to do that?'

'To spend time with me?'

Severus frowned and Harry began to wonder if he'd gotten everything horribly wrong.

'I'm sorry, I just wanted to see you. I was thinking we could go for a walk down by the lake, it's nice there at this time, and we'd be back in time for dinner, and it would be nice and-'

'Perhaps another day.'

'Oh.'

'But you can…spend time with me here if you so desire.'

'Really? Great.'

Severus nodded and they sat in silence for a time until Harry cleared his throat.

'Then, do you think you might, maybe, like to move down here?'

Severus stood and walked next to the couch before settling next to Harry. Harry smiled as he felt warmth from hip to thigh and reached out to take one of Severus' hands.

'We had Charms this morning. We were trying to make teacups sing. I'm never quite certain why they teach us some of these things, but I guess it might come in handy at parties or something. Hermione's was perfect, as usual and mine was alright but you should have heard Ron's. It let out the most horrible sound, this sort of whistling shriek…'

Harry told Severus all about his day, taking heart as the man slowly relaxed. Every now and then he'd ask a question or make a snide comment, but Harry just laughed and kept going. When Harry had run out of things to say, Severus was leaning against his shoulder and stroking Harry's forefinger with his thumb. Taking a deep breath, Harry asked the question that had been burning away at him.

'Severus?'

'Mm?'

'You know about Draco and Remus and Sirius, right?'

'I do.'

'Would you think about maybe having dinner with them? And me? On Friday night? We could have it at their quarters, they wouldn't have to come here, and you could leave if it was too horrible, but it would really mean a lot to me and I think we could all enjoy it. Please?'

Severus turned and Harry watched his face soften slightly.

'I believe I could try, if it would really make you so very happy.'

Without thinking, Harry launched himself at Severus, wrapping his arms around his neck and pushing him down onto the couch.

'Thank you.'

Severus laughed and wrapped his arms around Harry's waist. Harry drew back and looked right into the black eyes below him before lowering his head to press their lips together. Severus let his lips fall open almost instantly and Harry surged forward, tasting and claiming. Severus let the exploration continue for a time before rolling them over and taking control of the kiss. Harry tried to roll them again, but instead managed to roll them right off the couch.

He ended up kneeling between Severus' legs and lying across the man's chest. Before he could apologise, he saw Severus smile and move forward to kiss him again. They stayed like that, sprawled on the floor, for quite some time. Harry let his hands stray across Severus' chest while Severus slid his hands down to palm at Harry's backside. Harry moaned into Severus' mouth before reaching up to tug at his hair, eliciting a rather sinful groan.

When they finally separated, the skin around their mouths was red and slick and their lips were puffy and pink. Severus walked Harry to the door after cleaning them up.

'Thank you so much, by the way.'

'I will endeavour to ensure the meal goes smoothly.'

'It means so much. I don't know if you know, but the first time Draco had dinner with Remus and Sirius, he was so nervous that he made me come along too. He looked like he was having such a nice time, the way they took care of him and doted on him, but all I could picture was you being there with me, making me as happy as he was.'

Severus was silent, thinking of the horrid dinner he'd put Harry through. He vowed to make the next one the best his young suitor had ever experienced.

'If you wish to come to my quarters a half hour before dinner, I can escort you there.'

Harry positively beamed and Severus knew he'd made the right decision. He smiled as Harry pressed a kiss to his cheek and scampered off to dinner.