Ok, so I know it has been awhile. I had hoped to get this out sooner but with band and other school activities starting up again I have had less time. The updates will most likely start falling in around once a week or so. I wish this wasn't the case but my school work must come first. I hope you all understand. So, on to chapter 21!
Disclaimer: Do not own
Every Day is a Struggle
Severus sat at his desk nervously twisting his hands together. Harry had been so quiet lately, barely talking to anyone. At first he had seemed to be handling his handicap well but as the days drug on Harry seemed to be shrinking into himself. Even the Christmas festivities did nothing to brighten his young lover's spirits. But Severus was determined to make this the best Christmas of Harry's life. He just needed some help. There was a soft knock on his door and Severus looked up.
"Come in," he called. A very nervous Hermione entered and softly shut the door behind her.
"You needed to see me Headmaster?" Severus nodded curtly and gestured to the chair in front of his desk.
"Have a seat Ms. Granger." Hermione cast a nervous glance at the chair before she sat gently. Severus picked up a silver container filled with yellow orbs.
"Lemon drop?" Hermione shook her head and Severus sighed.
"Lucius' idea of a joke. He knows I can't stand the things. I tried to throw them away but they always end up in the same spot on my desk." Hermione chuckled and took one. She put in her pocket, meaning to give it to someone else later. Her expression became serious again as she gazed at the dark man.
"May I ask why you summoned me here, sir?" Severus looked at his clasped hands and sighed.
"I acquire your assistance Ms. Granger." Hermione nodded slowly, willing him to continue. "Harry has been very…distant ever since his waking. I do not blame him, for being blind is a hard burden to carry. But it upsets me to see him so troubled. I hope you will help me in this area. I want to…" Severus paused, once he finished the sentence there would be no turning back. Hermione leaned forward, a curious glint in her eyes.
"You want to what sir?" Severus clenched his fist and forced himself onward.
"I want to ask for Harry's hand in marriage." Hermione gasped and a smile lit up her face. She opened her mouth to spew something girlish then frowned.
"I have only once concern sir." Severus nodded for her to continue and Hermione took a deep breath before going on.
"I know Harry. He would not like it if you proposed because you felt he needed a 'pick me up.' He would hate it if you only proposed out of some sense of pity." Severus was shocked. This girl was wise beyond her years. Draco had chosen well.
"Ms. Granger, I understand your concerns, but do not worry. I would not be considering this if I wasn't absolutely sure it is what I wanted." Hermione grinned at him and then she did something that made Severus flinch. She squealed.
"Then yes! Oh yes yes yes! Harry would love that. I cannot even imagine the look on his face. Oh my!" Hermione giggled and then blushed as she realized she had gone all feminine on Severus.
"I'm sorry sir. I just got excited." Severus' smirk just seemed to say 'I noticed.' Hermione cleared her throat as she blushed again.
"So, umm, sir. What exactly do you want me to do?" Severus' long fingers entwined themselves and he set them in his lap.
"I was wondering if you would help me come up with a plan. I want it to be…romantic." Severus made a face of disgust as he uttered that word but he kept talking. "But I am unsure of how to proceed. As you are…feminine, I would assume you know about this more than me." Hermione smiled and leaned forward.
"I see your problem." Hermione stood up and started to pace. She turned to Severus. "You are going to want to write this down." Severus summoned a roll of parchment and a quill. As Hermione talked, the quill took down every word.
"So, you are going to want something really special. You should also do it on a special day. Christmas maybe? Another thing, you will want to focus it on one of his senses. Most use sight by decorations and such but this cannot be the case. This leaves you taste, touch, smell, and sound. Smell would probably not work, and neither will sound. This leaves you touch and taste. Hmmm… Does Harry have a favorite food?" Severus was blown away by the complexity of this. He was glad he asked for help.
"He takes an unsavory amount of pleasure in sweets." Hermione turned to him slowly and grinned.
"Then focus on that. Any type of sweet more than any other?" Severus was confused. How was he supposed to purpose to Harry with candy?
"Chocolate." Hermione squealed again, ignoring Severus' flinch.
"Perfect!" Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Ms. Granger, how am I supposed to ask for Harry's hand in marriage with chocolate?" Hermione sat down and smiled.
"Here is what you are going to do."
XXX XXX XXX
Harry lounged in the Room of Requirement, Malika's head in his lap. He was listening to Ron and Tonks chat about this and that when Hermione walked over.
"How's it going 'Mione?"
"Oh you know, pretty good." Her words were casual but her voice was filled with excitement. If he had been able to see her face, he would have seen her grinning stupidly at him.
"Why do you sound so excited then?" He heard a bashful cough as Hermione tried to sound less excited.
"No reason, just the holidays I guess." Harry didn't believe her, but he didn't feel like bugging her about it.
"I would love to Ron!" Tonks' loud voice penetrated Harry's thoughts and he heard Ron sputter something in reply. Hermione turned to Tonks and asked her if she would like to duel. Harry noticed Hermione seemed a bit rushed, as if she wanted to get away from that corner of the room. She probably doesn't want me trying to figure out why she is so excited, Harry thought to himself. Tonks readily agreed and the two women walked off. Harry pet Malika for a few minutes.
"So what was that about with Tonks, Ron?" Ron chuckled nervously.
"I asked her to spend Christmas with me…well my family that is. I know she gets tired of staying in this room all the time. I know I would." Harry sensed something else in his voice and smiled.
"You like her, don't you Ron." Ron sputtered for a moment in protestation before sighing.
"I might, I am not sure. I admire her for her bravery and her ability to remain cheerful. But there are a few years between us and I am not sure how to handle that." Harry couldn't help it; he started to laugh.
"Ron, if I can be with Severus, you can be with Tonks. I'm sure you can take it." Harry felt a pat on his back.
"Thanks mate. You're right." Harry smiled and leaned back.
"Harry?"
"Hmmm?"
"I was wondering if you and Professor Snape would like to come over for Christmas Eve?" Harry tensed, uncertain.
"Well I don't know Ron. I will have to ask Severus. I want to, but we really should discuss it."
"Of course mate."
XXX XXX XXX
"I don't think so Harry." Harry pouted and ran his hand through his hair.
"Please Severus. Please," he begged. Severus sat next to Harry with a sigh.
"Harry, I'm just not sure. You have not quite gotten used to your handicap and I do not want you to push yourself." Harry growled and drew away from Severus' touch.
"Stop babying me! I can handle this!" Severus drew even farther away from the boy's harsh words.
"I do not doubt that Harry, I just worry." Harry felt his flash of anger fade at the sound of concern in Severus' voice. He reached out and felt a hand grab his. He was pulled onto a warm lap and he snuggled closer.
"I know, Sev. I know. But it is just Christmas Eve, and if I have too much trouble we can leave early." Severus ran his fingers through Harry's hair and smiled at the contented sigh he received in turn.
"Ok, fine. But we will have to tell others I am going to my house for Christmas Eve. If we spend even two hours at the house of a convicted traitor it would seem suspicious."
"Thank you Severus!" Severus kissed Harry lovingly, happy to finally hear excitement in Harry's voice once more.
Ok, so that's about it. Read and Review.
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