The Reader



Harry slid the stew in the oven, satisfied. In a couple of hours, they'd have a nice, filling dinner.

Harry leant against the counter, wiping his hands. Now, decisions, decisions. He could go up and do his marking - Godric knew it needed doing - or…

Harry grinned widely, knowing he'd already made his decision.

He tossed his cloth aside - watching just long enough to ensure it landed on the counter, not the floor - and hurried to the living room.

There was Severus, sitting on the settee by the fire, reading a book, with another - one Harry recognized - waiting on the side table.

Harry arranged himself comfortably, settling his head in Severus' lap with ease born of long familiarity.

Severus hummed absently, automatically bringing his free hand up to stroke Harry's side soothingly. Harry waited patiently, and in a few moments Severus reached the end of his chapter and deftly marked his place one-handedly before setting aside his book and picking up the other.

"Shall we?" Severus asked, cracking the book in readiness.

"Mmm." Harry agreed emphatically, nodding his head as best he could in this position. Severus smiled indulgently, beginning to read aloud, his free hand still petting Harry's hip.

~Fin~