Chapter 28: Date

Severus nervously came into Harry's room. "You look great," he said as he sat up to get a better look at the man in front of him. Snape was wearing a crisp, black shirt with a deep, forest-green tie. His argyle socks peeked out from beneath black dress pants, making Harry smile.

"Do you want help getting ready?" He asked, not acknowledging the compliment.

"Sure," he replied as he shakily pulled himself to his feet. Harry stumbled clumsily forward into Snape's arms. "Thanks," he said with an embarrassed smile.

"Are you sure you want to go?" Severus asked, worried.

"Yeah."

"Wait here," Snape said while he helped Harry sit on the side of the bed. He left the room and came back holding a dark green shirt and black dress pants. Severus walked to the bed and helped the Gryffindor step into his clothes. Harry giggled. "What?"

"It's supposed to go the other way," he replied, gesturing to his half-on pants. Snape laughed and pulled his pants back to his ankles.

"There, now we're doing it properly."

"Hey!" Harry complained and he tried to reach the black material. "I can't bend!" The potion master smirked and kissed him gently on the cheek before helping once more.

Finally, when the two were ready to leave, Snape offered harry his arm. He took it and they walked down an unused passage. "I figured we'd take a car instead of flooing," the Slytherin said softly. Harry looked up, puzzled. "I'd rather you not get hurt."

They came to a door leading them out toward the forbidden forest and Snape took him into the dense trees. After a few minutes, Harry found himself staring at a sleek, black Volvo. "Damn," he whispered.

"I know, it isn't much," Severus said as he opened the door for his date. Harry looked at him in shock before he slid into the leather passenger seat. The potion master walked around the front of the car and fiddled with the engine for a couple seconds before joining Harry.

"Is your car okay?" Snape smirked mischievously as he turned the key and the engine roared to life. The car rose a few meters off the ground. "We're flying?" He asked, smiling with glee.

"Indeed," he replied as they flew above the trees. They spent the rest of the trip in comfortable silence. Harry was incredibly intrigued by the view and rode the entire way with his face pressed against the window. Severus periodically glanced over and smiled at his happiness. Eventually, they reached a small building. Snape turned off the car and opened Harry's door for him.

"Thanks," he said as he took his offered arm.

"You're welcome good sir," he replied with a mock bow. Harry giggled until they entered through a stone arch-door. He took a moment to appreciate the restaurant, grand crystal chandeliers were suspended over tables draped in white silk. His shoes sunk into the red carpet beneath them as he walked to the table. He marveled at the contrast between Snape's dark shirt and the pristine, white marble walls.

"Is this okay?" Severus asked as the host walked away, leaving them in a secluded corner.

"It's perfect," Harry replied with a smile as he picked up his menu. He wasn't very hungry, but didn't want Snape to worry.

"Hi, welcome, my name is Jacque and I'll be your server today. Can I start you off with drinks?"

"Yes, we'll have a bottle of your finest red," Severus said smoothly.

"Yes, sir. I'll be right back with that," he said before rushing away.

"What are you getting?" Harry asked.

Severus was about to open his mouth when the waiter returned with the wine. He poured a bit in the glass for Snape to taste. "Very good, thank you," he said and the waiter filled their glasses.

"Are you ready to order?" He asked Severus.

"Harry?"

"Uh... yeah, yeah," he replied, setting down his menu and just resigned to getting whatever Snape ordered.

"I'll have the filet mignon, medium rare, with broccoli and a baked potato."

"Yes, sir. And for you?"

"The same?" Harry said hesitantly, looking at Snape. He nodded his approval.

"Yes, sir. It should be ready shortly," he said, turning on his heel.

Harry lifted his glass to his lips and took a cautious sip. The wine was sweeter than he was expecting, but burned his throat. He glanced at Severus to see if he noticed, but the man seemed entranced by the chandelier. Oh good, he thought and sipped again, practicing schooling his expression when the liquid burned in the pit of his stomach.

Severus smirked as he watched Harry take his first sip of wine, but quickly averted his gaze to the beautiful crystal hanging from the ceiling. He'd been coming to this restaurant since he was a child. His mum always brought him here to cheer him up when his father was in a foul mood. She let him get steak and stare at the chandeliers until he said he was ready to leave. It amazed him how such a giant, beautiful thing could be suspended by thin chain and a few wires. He sipped his own wine before speaking. "How are classes going?"

"They're alright. I mean, I haven't been in them as much as I should, have I? He asked with a smirk.

"Perhaps not," Severus replied with a smirk of his own.

"Why do you teach?"

The question threw him off guard. "What?"

"Why do you teach if you hate it so much?"

Snape sighed. "I never had the desire to teach. My dream was to make a modest living making potions and selling them to those in need. Then I joined the Dark Lord and he had other plans for me. I was to get close to Albus, to keep tabs on him and alert the Dark Lord should he plan to overthrow him. Once you came to the school, he told me I was to report on you—" The waiter saved him from going on when he returned with the food and set it before them. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied before dashing away once more.

Harry's mouth watered at the sight of the beautiful steak before him. He grabbed his knife and dug in. Snape smiled as he saw the joy in the young man's eyes.

"If I knew steak would make you this happy, I would have given it to you a while ago."

"Ooo uuuut iiiiiik eeak?" He said with a mouthful before blushing. "Who doesn't like steak?" He rephrased once he'd swallowed.

"You'd be surprised," he said as he nibbled at his own plate.

After they were stuffed they returned to Snape's Chambers and cuddled on the couch. "Can we rain-check on the movie?" Harry asked innocently as he rubbed his eyes and leaned into his chest.

"Of course," Severus replied, slightly relieved—he was exhausted. The Gryffindor fell asleep on top of him a few minutes later. Snape let him sleep a few hours before he walked Harry back to the guest room. "Can I get you anything?" He inquired once the Gryffindor was in bed.

He nodded and held out his arms. Snape smiled and hugged him. Harry pecked him on the cheek before letting go and leaning back into his pillows. "Good night Se…" he fell asleep mid-sentence.

"Good night," he replied as he closed the door.