Title: I'm Not the Only One
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me. They belong to J.K. Rowling. I am writing this story for fun and not profit.
Pairings: Snarry (Harry/Severus)
Content Notes: Cheating warning (cheating happened in the first story, but it is alluded to in this story)
Rating: T
Word Count: 6471
Summary: Harry attempts to regain Severus' trust and love after cheating on him. But it won't be easy. Nothing with the Potions Master is.
Author's Notes: This is a sequel to "No Time to Die". If you've not read that story, I would suggest reading it first. It is shorter than this one (lol), but helps you understand the context. Since my first story was inspired by a song, I thought I would continue the tradition. This fic was inspired by Sam Smith's song "I'm Not the Only One". Don't worry I did not simply cut and paste song lyrics. The meaning of the song is embedded in the story. Feel free to listen to the song while reading as it does reflect the tone of the story. I am really enjoying my return to writing. The cobwebs are slowly dissipating. :)
****3 Years after the events of No Time to Die****
Severus Snape tied back his hair and leaned over the cauldron to watch for the changes to the potion he was busy brewing. His mail-order business had taken off in the last two years and he found himself with more orders than he could fill. He narrowed his eyes looking for the small bubbles that signaled that the brew was beginning to boil. Upon spotting the first few bubbles, he nodded in satisfaction and lowered the temperature. A few more minutes and another order would be complete. Grimacing, he straightened up and stretched the kinks out of his back. Getting older was not conducive to being a desired Potions Master. Although advertising his credentials was out of the question since he'd left Harry. Rolling his eyes, he swore under his breath. Why did everything always come back to him? He pulled out his order book to see what was next on his agenda.
A knock echoed through the home and Snape straightened up quickly. He picked up his wand off the table. He was not expecting anyone and it was too soon for the post. Opening the door, he was somehow not surprised to see the person he'd just been thinking about standing in front of him. Green eyes were narrowed in perusal and a small smile curved upon seeing him.
"Hello, Severus," Harry said quietly.
"Harry," Severus replied.
Harry took a few moments to study the man in front of him. Severus looked good. His hair was longer and tied behind him. His white shirt was rolled up to his elbows and his black trousers fit well. Severus' face was expressionless, but Harry took in the tenseness in his body and the way his hand gripped the doorframe. It gave Harry hope that Severus was not unaffected by his presence.
"May I come in?" Harry asked softly. A myriad of emotions flickered across Severus' face before he stepped back and opened the door to allow Harry to enter. Closing the door behind him, Severus gestured to a small room off the way with a fireplace and a couple of plush chairs. Sitting down, they stared at each other for a few moments before Severus broke the silence.
"How did you find me?"
Harry grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "It wasn't easy. You would think being an Auror would have helped me narrow my search, but in the end, it was just pure dumb luck."
"That always did seem to be your strength," Severus sniffed lightly, a droll smile tugging on his lips.
Harry inclined his head in silent agreement. "Or maybe you shouldn't have advertised your potions business."
Severus pressed his lips together in irritation. He knew that advertising would be risky, but he had made sure to be very careful in descriptions of himself.
"Yes, well, I have to make a living somehow," he said irritated. "Why are you here, Harry? I really have nothing to say to you. I said it all in my letter."
Harry sat back in his chair and rubbed his hand over his dry lips. He'd waited three years to plead his case with Severus and now that it was here, he had no idea where to begin.
"I…" he began.
"Severus! I'm finished!" a male voice yelled from another room interrupting Harry's confession. "You could have warned me that the first time would be so rough. I'm hoping the next time you're a little bit easier on me." A handsome young man appeared in the doorway of the room and looked startled. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't know that you had a guest."
Severus took the moment to watch Harry's face pale as he studied the interloper. Harry's eyes swept over the young man from top to bottom before leaning back in the chair in resignation. Green eyes met black ones in confusion and misery. Severus felt a momentary pang of guilt before remembering what Harry had done and how he had made him feel. His eyes hardened, and even though he wanted Harry to suffer and briefly taste what Severus had felt, he just wanted this to be over.
"Julian, this is Harry. Harry, this is my assistant, Julian Parks. He was just completing the inventory of all my potion ingredients."
"Wait," Julian sputtered. "You're Harry Potter! Severus, I didn't know that you knew Harry Potter!" Julian jogged into the room and shook Harry's hand in extreme enthusiasm. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir!" He pumped Harry's hand up and down until Harry pulled away.
Harry rubbed his hand and smirked at Severus. "It is nice to meet you as well, Julian. I'm surprised Severus has never mentioned me since we are intimately acquainted." Severus ground his teeth in irritation. Insolent brat, he thought. Harry grinned so brightly, Severus wondered if he had insulted him aloud.
"Julian, if you are quite through fawning over Mr. Potter, then I suggest you go home," Severus said coldly pinning his employee with a dark stare.
Julian backed up slightly under the glare, his smile slipping. "I apologize, Severus, for my rudeness. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Potter." He inclined his head in farewell. He quietly walked toward the entranceway before turning and looking at Severus. "Are you still planning on coming for dinner tomorrow?"
Severus felt Harry tense in his chair. "Of course, I wouldn't miss it," Severus purred, not intending on letting Harry out of here without feeling some pain. Harry narrowed his eyes in interest as he watched the exchange.
Julian smiled and sighed. "Oh, good. Mandy is really excited about meeting you. She's been cleaning our house from top to bottom to impress you," his face reddened slightly. "Though she probably wouldn't like it if I told you that."
Smiling softly, Severus replied, "I'm looking forward to it as well. I will see you both tomorrow evening." Julian lifted a hand and left.
Severus stared at the doorway for a few more moments hoping to delay the inevitable.
"I've missed you, Severus," Harry whispered.
Severus huffed and closed his eyes to block out the painful memories. He'd never considered himself to be weak except where Harry was concerned. It was why leaving had been so difficult in the first place. He opened his eyes and stared at the man before him.
"Somehow Mr. Potter, I find it hard to believe that you would have been alone enough to even realize that I was gone," he replied silkily. Severus was a master at hiding his true feelings and he was very grateful for that skill at the moment.
Harry tilted his head and allowed his hurt expression to show. Where Severus was all blankness, Harry wore his feelings as easily as he wore his clothes. "Please don't do that, Severus. Don't push me away."
Fury filled Severus as he gripped the arms of the chair. "How dare you!" he hissed. "I am not the one who pushed you away! You made the choice to sleep with Miss Weasley, more than once as I recall. I have every right to push you away."
Harry nodded his eyes on the carpet. "You're right. I have no excuse for what I did to you. How I made you feel. I ruined the one good thing I had going for me."
The anger left Severus as quickly as it had appeared. He slumped in the chair and a sick feeling settled in his stomach. Why had Harry come here? Why had he interrupted his quiet life?
"I've-I've been speaking to someone about you and me," Harry admitted faintly. Severus looked at him and waited for him to explain. "A counsellor," he continued. "After you left, I was a bloody mess and I wanted to fix the problems that I had created. When I found you, I wanted to be able to look you in the eye and tell you that I had changed."
Severus looked away in confusion, his heart pounding. Why was he getting his hopes up here? Harry had promised him before that he would change and things never did.
"Severus, do you remember what you said in your letter about our natures?" Harry asked.
Severus nodded his head refusing to look at Harry.
"My counsellor definitely disagrees with you on that aspect," Harry laughed. "We've been working on why I've hurt the people I care about the most."
Severus turned back to Harry. "And what was the conclusion to this discussion?"
Harry sighed and leaned forward his elbows on his knees staring intently at Severus. "It wasn't an easy conclusion especially for me. I told her how happy we were and how much I love you. That I couldn't understand why I made those split-second decisions that ruined our marriage. She helped me understand that I wasn't unhappy with you or our life. I was unhappy with myself. That I didn't like the person that I had become. When I cheated on you, I was trying to change myself and be someone else even if it was just for a few minutes."
Harry ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Honestly, it made a lot of sense to me. While I was growing up with the Dursleys, I couldn't be who I really was. When I attended Hogwarts, I was expected to be the savior of the whole wizarding world. After the war was over, I was expected to be the perfect Auror in the perfect marriage making the perfect choices every day. I was drowning, Severus. I let my feelings of worthlessness control my actions. I chose to seek refuge in others rather than attempting to understand why I felt that way."
"What utter tripe," Severus said derisively. "Do you think that you are the only person that had little choice in his life? That you were the only person who was never happy with the role in which he was cast? There were many days that I was unhappy with who I was, but I never would have hurt you in that way."
``We are different people, Severus!" Harry yelled in frustration. "You are stronger than I am and more self-controlled. You of all people should be aware of how little I can control my emotional responses," he said alluding to the disastrous occlumency lessons during his fifth year.
Severus just shook his head and sighed. "I can't do it again, Harry. I cannot be made a fool of once more. I still….care for you, but it is impossible. Now, if we are finished here, I have orders that I must complete."
Severus stood and motioned for Harry to follow. Harry stood, his eyes blazing. "You didn't let me finish! I have changed. My counsellor has been teaching me ways to control my emotions and to exercise self-control in the face of temptation." Harry stepped forward into Severus' space. He put his hands on the man's forearms feeling them tense beneath his hands. "Believe me when I say that I am motivated to change my behavior."
Severus stepped out of Harry's reach and backed up towards the doorway. "I...need to check a potion. Excuse me." He had to get away from Harry and the torrent of emotions that the man had inflicted with a mere touch of his hands.
He hurried through the doorway to the potions lab he had set up in the dining area. Looking into the cauldron, he was angry to see that the potion had turned black and was smoking.
"Shit!" Severus muttered realizing that the morning had been a complete waste of time. Waving his wand over the cauldron angrily, he banished the ruined potion. This would put him behind in his orders. His carefully ordered world was once again turned upside down by Harry. Severus looked up to see the man himself standing in the doorway, a chagrined look on his face.
Grabbing the glass vial he had set aside for the finished potion, he gestured to it. "Do you see this vial, Harry?" Without waiting for an answer, Severus continued, "It is pure, unblemished, waiting to be filled with something of value. Just like a marriage" He threw the vial against the wall, a satisfying shattering sound followed. "That is what you did to us. You took what was unmarked and pristine and destroyed it. You cannot put it back together. Even when you attempt to, you will be left with an imperfect specimen. There will always be minute cracks and flaws." Severus ran a hand over his face. "I am weary of this, Harry. I am now behind in my orders. I…."
He looked up at Harry with an anguished expression. "I am going to go to my quarters and when I return, I would appreciate it if you would not be here." Severus turned and headed toward the back of the house leaving Harry to stare at the broken glass.
Sighing deeply, he pulled his wand out of his pocket. "Reparo," he said quietly and watched as the glass vial flew back together and up into his waiting hand. He rubbed a finger over it thinking about Severus' words. Walking over the cauldrons, he placed the vial on the counter and looked down at the order book to see how far behind this would put his husband. As he looked at the orders, a plan began to form in his mind. He was determined to show Severus that he was a different person. He took a piece of parchment and the quill that Severus kept close by for notes.
After jotting down a quick note, he took the vial that had been repaired and placed it on top of the note. He left the home, closing the door quietly behind him.
Severus waited until he heard the front door close before he came out of his bedroom. Walking out the potions area, he picked up the vial that Harry had repaired. His eyes then fell on the piece of parchment.
Severus,
Your analogy was a good one. I did destroy our marriage. But I disagree with you on one point. I don't believe that broken things are useless and unusable. There is a certain beauty in broken things. I know you are pushing me away to hide your feelings-to protect yourself. I understand. But I want you to know that I will wait a lifetime for you to see the truth: that I am changed and that I am determined to make it up to you. I will let you rest today but know that I will see you very soon.
Love Always,
Harry
Severus crumpled the letter in his fist and growled. This was just like Harry to think that he could change his mind and weasel his way back in. Severus tossed the paper onto the counter and pulled his order book closer. Losing himself in his work would provide the necessary distraction.
Severus groaned when he heard a knock on the front door. Blasted brat, he thought darkly. Stalking to the door, he yanked it open intending to give the man a thorough tongue lashing. Instead of Harry's cheerful face, however, his eyes fell upon the basket on his doorstep. Picking it up, he sifted through the components held within. Valerian, lavender, containers of flobberworm mucus. Everything that he would need for this morning's orders, neatly labeled and harvested just the way he liked. Looking up, his eyes swept the area once more searching for the only person who could have prepared this. Closing the door behind him, he went to prepare the orders and blocked any warm thoughts toward a certain green-eyed man.
"Mr. Parks, thank you so much for your invitation. I have brought a small gift for you and your wife in gratitude," Severus said smoothly as he handed his assistant the bottle of port he'd picked up in town.
"Brilliant!" Julian said enthusiastically. "But I thought we'd already decided to use our given names." He gave Severus a small smirk clearly mocking the stoic man.
Severus smiled softly. "Forgive me, Julian. Old habits." He shrugged out of his cloak and Julian took it from him. "Please head into the sitting room. Our other guest is already here."
"Other guest?" Severus questioned as he headed toward the sitting room. Stopping in the doorway, he stiffened when he spotted Harry sitting on the sofa near the fire, a glass of whisky in his hand.
"Mr. Potter, this is an obnoxious surprise," Severus sneered turning to look at Julian with his brow furrowed in consternation.
Julian, sensing the tension, stuttered, "M-Mandy and I saw Harry in town and she couldn't help but invite him to dinner tonight. I'm sorry that we did not let you know."
"You are allowed to invite whomever you would like, Julian. It is your home," Severus said quietly. He stiffly entered the sitting room and chose the seat on the opposite side of the room from Harry.
"Please help yourself to a drink and I'm going to check on Mandy. Excuse me, gentlemen," Julian scurried away.
Harry laughed. "Good job scaring off the host, Severus. Looks like you haven't lost your touch. Would you like a drink?"
At Severus' nod, Harry got up and prepared a drink. Severus felt his stomach clench when Harry's fingers briefly caressed his while handing over the tumbler. Closing his eyes, he wished that the night was over. Was he to be set upon every day now?
After Harry had settled back down with his own drink, he addressed Severus. "Were you able to complete all of your orders today?"
Severus shrewdly studied the man across the rim of his glass. "My work was accomplished in record time today. It is amazing how much time it saves when ingredients are already harvested."
Harry smirked into his glass as he took a sip. "An auspicious endowment then it would seem."
Severus sputtered as he tried to swallow his mouthful of whisky. "Mr. Potter, have you recently taken to consulting a dictionary to improve your vocabulary? It is unnerving to hear such words come out of your mouth."
Harry leaned forward, his green eyes glittering with emotion. "I've had a lot of time to read and reflect these past few years." Pausing, he took a deep breath. "Please don't call me Mr. Potter, Severus. It reminds me of unpleasant days."
Julian returned before Severus could respond. "Gentlemen, if you would follow me into the dining room. Dinner is ready."
Moving into the dining room, the men settled into their assigned places. Mandy bounced into the room carrying a large roasted turkey. Smiling brightly, she placed it in the middle of the table. "Welcome! I am so honored that you are guests in our home."
Severus inclined his head in Mandy's direction. "Mrs. Parks, the honor is all ours. Thank you for the kind invitation. The dinner looks delicious and I look forward to getting to know you better."
"Please call me Mandy and I hope that I may call you Severus?" she asked.
Severus smiled at his hostess charmingly before he glanced over at Harry who was staring at him. A strange expression was on Harry's face. Severus looked down at his plate, removed the napkin found there and gracefully covered his lap.
The conversation flowed well and Severus felt a sense of contentment that he hadn't felt in awhile. Julian leaned back in his chair and looked around the table.
"Harry, how do you and Severus know each other?"
The contentment that has settled over him quickly dissipated. He glared at Harry and then turned his attention to his hostess. "Excuse me, Mandy, could you please point me in the direction of your facilities?"
Harry watched as Severus scrambled out of his seat. He took a sip of his wine as he watched the black shadow disappear. Sighing, Harry decided to tell a partial truth. "Severus was my potions professor and obviously was crucial in the defeat of Voldemort. We became close."
Julian nodded in thought. "You were lucky to have such a knowledgeable potions professor. Severus is amazing."
"Yes, he is amazing. I don't think he would consider it good fortune to have had me as a student though. I was not very adept at potions," Harry added wryly.
"I suppose that is one way to describe it, Potter," Severus said viciously. Harry huffed and glanced at Severus in amusement. Severus cleared his throat and looked away from the infuriating man. "Julian and Mandy, I thank you for dinner, but I find it is time for me to take my leave."
"Let me grab your cloak," Julian replied as he quickly got up from the table. Bringing back the cloak, he shook hands with Severus saying good-bye. Severus smiled at Mandy and nodded his head toward Harry before making a hasty exit.
Harry stayed for a while longer regaling his hosts with tales from the war and his time as an Auror. His mind however, was full of memories of sweet times with Severus and the next step in winning the man over.
Severus leaned over his order book and started making a list of the ingredients he would need today. He hadn't slept well after the dinner at the Parks' residence. Every time he fell asleep, he was remembering the brush of fingers and small smiles and glances directed his way.
Making his way into the kitchen, he was determined to brew a pot of coffee and shrug off the morose feelings which threatened to overtake him. A knock reverberated throughout the home, setting Severus' teeth on edge.
"Bollocks!" he swore. Taking a deep breath, he walked to the door. Yanking it open, he glared at Harry. The man stood there with a huge smile on his face and two paper cups in his hands.
"Good morning, Severus. I thought you might need some caffeine to get your day started. It's your favorite." Harry held out the cup and Severus eyed it. He could smell the dark roast that he loved so much.
Reaching out, he took the cup and brought it closer to his nose. Breathing deeply, he let the robust aroma fill his nostrils. He sighed in contentment. Taking a sip, he may have groaned as the rich flavor hit his tongue.
Harry laughed lightly. "I'm glad to see that you still enjoy your coffee as much as you used to."
Severus stood up straight and gave Harry a dark look. "Don't you have a job, Potter? No dark wizards to catch anymore?"
Harry glanced at him affectionately. "You are supposed to call me Harry, remember? I took a leave for a few months. I had quite a bit of holiday time saved up." He paused and looked down at his own cup. "Besides, there's only one wizard I'm interested in catching." He looked up at Severus under his lashes, gauging the man's reaction.
Severus' lips twitched in amusement. "How long have you had that line ready to use?"
Harry burst out laughing and rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. "Now, Severus. When have you ever known me to be prepared for something?"
Severus rolled his eyes and took another drink of the coffee. "You have a point, Mr…..Harry," he said quietly. "Thank you for the beverage, but I must get back to work. Lots of orders to complete." He went to shut the door.
"Wait!" Harry said quickly. "Would you like some help?"
Severus studied Harry for several moments contemplating the offer. His mind raced with pros and cons. During their marriage, Harry had often helped prepare the ingredients for the potions and had improved vastly since his time at Hogwarts. On the other hand, Severus wasn't sure he could be in such close proximity to Harry.
Opening the door wide, he made his decision. "If you have nothing better to do, then I accept your offer." Harry's bright grin caused an ache in Severus' heart. This was probably a huge mistake.
The two men made their way to the makeshift potions lab and Severus went over the orders for the day. Harry listened intently and asked questions along the way. After setting a course of action, the men worked in companionable silence. Every so often, Severus would lean over Harry's workstation to inspect his performance. He would smile and shake his head in approval. He had forgotten how much he'd missed this intimacy.
"What time does Julian come to work?" Harry asked after a few hours.
"He will not be in until tomorrow. He only works for me part-time at the moment. I think if the business continues to grow then I shall have to hire him full-time," Severus answered watching the potion begin to boil. Lowering the temperature, he leaned against the counter and turned to look at Harry.
"Going by your order book, I would say that the promotion will happen sooner rather than later. You should be very proud of yourself, Severus. You've built yourself an amazing business." Harry put his hand over Severus' and lightly rubbed the skin.
Severus looked down and watched Harry's fingers make circle patterns on the back of his hand. He cleared his throat and looked up to see Harry leaning in, a deep longing covering his face. Severus' pulse quickened and a roaring sound filled his ears. His eyes flickered to look at Harry's lips and back up to the emotion-filled eyes. It would be so easy to lean in and press his lips against Harry's- to take what had filled his mind all night. Shaking his head, he pulled his hand from Harry's grasp and turned to look at the potion.
"You don't have to stay here, Harry. It's going to be a few hours before this potion is ready to bottle. I'm sure you have something or someone, better to spend your time on." A sharp edge accompanied the words he threw at Harry.
"Severus, there hasn't been anyone since you left," Harry admitted quietly running a rough hand through his perpetually messy hair.
Severus turned and looked at Harry in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Harry leaned into Severus' personal space. "I mean, that I have not slept with anyone since the night that you left. I told you that I've been working on how to deal with temptation and self-control. I've not touched, kissed, or been intimate with anyone since you disappeared. Nor have I wanted to. You are the only one that I want to touch," Harry's eyes focused on Severus' thin lips, "to kiss, to be intimate with." He leaned in and softly brushed his warm lips over Severus'.
Severus closed his eyes and leaned into the kiss, groaning. The kiss deepened and Severus grabbed Harry's arms pulling the man flush against his body. One hand stroked up Harry's arms and tangled in hair at the base of his head holding the man firmly against him. Harry's mouth opened and Severus' tongue snaked in and explored the once familiar territory. He still tasted like peppermint. Moaning, Severus pulled back, holding Harry away from him. He watched Harry smile softly with his eyes closed. Severus took in the reddened lips and mussed hair.
Letting Harry go, Severus staggered back and rubbed his hand over his face. "I'm sorry. That was inappropriate. I can't do this. You need to go"
Harry smiled in understanding. "I know you're not ready, Severus. I need to woo you more." Harry picked up his cloak and walked to the door. Opening it, he turned back and gave Severus a huge smile. "Thank you, however, for giving me hope." Whistling a tune, he shut the door behind him and Severus collapsed against the counter.
It was almost a full day before Severus heard a knock on his door. Opening the door, he saw Harry smiling at him, his arms full of take-away boxes.
"I knew that Julian would be here today to assist you, so I thought I would bring you dinner."
"That's rather presumptuous, Harry. What if I had plans this evening?" Severus watched as the smile slid from Harry's face and the man turned away.
"Of course, Severus. I'm sorry for not checking with you first. Have a nice evening," Harry's dejected look almost made Severus chuckle. The man just looked miserable. Harry turned to leave.
"Get in here, you brat. I said, 'what if'," Severus growled. Harry turned back and eagerly carried all the boxes into Severus' house.
Bringing the boxes into the kitchen, Harry began to open them. "I remembered how much you enjoyed the gnocchi from that Italian restaurant we frequented. Hopefully, this is comparable. Do you have plates, Severus?"
Severus gave him a withering glare. "I am not a savage, Harry. I even have silverware should that strike your fancy."
Harry giggled and shook his head. "Of course, that was a foolish thing to say."
Severus sniffed. "Yes, well, it wouldn't be the first time would it?" A wicked smile accompanied the harsh words. Harry knew him well enough to know that sarcasm was something Severus used to show affection and it warmed his insides.
Sitting down at the table, they ate in silence for a few moments. Severus cleared his throat, "How are Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger doing?"
Harry smiled knowing how difficult it was for Severus to ask about his friends. "They are doing well. They got married about a year and half ago. Hermione just told me that she is expecting. As you can imagine, all the Weasleys are over the moon."
Severus offered a small smirk before taking another bite of the gnocchi. After swallowing, he asked the next question which was determined to hurt.
"And the youngest Weasley? What does she find herself up to these days?" Severus didn't make eye contact with Harry letting his casual tone hide his true intentions.
Harry put his fork down and steepled his fingers in front of his face staring at Severus until the man looked up at him. Harry reached over and put a hand over Severus'.
"Ginny moved to Paris three years ago after I broke things off with her. I saw her at the wedding and she was happily involved with a man she met there. There is nothing between us anymore. I promise you."
Severus dropped his eyes to the table and nodded once. Pulling his hand away, he took another bite of the gnocchi. "Tell me more about your job."
Harry smiled and began to talk about some of the more interesting cases over the last few years. After an hour, Harry stood up and began gathering the empty dishes. "Severus, why don't you go start a fire and I'll clean up in here. Can I bring you a drink?"
Severus felt a warmth in his belly at the domesticity of the scene. Then he tempered it down by reminding himself that this was not real. "I think a whisky would be appropriate for this moment," he answered.
Harry turned and studied him, knowing Severus' penchant for using whisky to forget things. "Of course, I'll bring it right in."
Severus swept out of the kitchen and entered the small sitting room. He waved his wand. "Incendio," he whispered and watched the fire burst in the fireplace. He sat down and watched the flames until he felt a presence behind him. He looked up at Harry and reached to take the tumbler that was held out to him.
"Thank you," he said softly.
Harry simply smiled and sat down across from him pulling one leg under him. Severus looked away as the pang of familiarity hit him.
Bracing his head on his hand, Harry watched Severus ignore him staring at the bottom of his tumbler or into the fire. "So besides starting a successful potions business, what else have you been up to?"
"Reading, editing my articles, the usual," Severus replied with a sardonic smirk.
"So….you haven't been spending time with other people?" Harry asked awkwardly.
Severus stared at Harry in amusement. "If this is your way of ineptly asking me if I am dating, then no. I have not been "spending time with other people" as you so eloquently put it." Taking a sip of his whisky, he stared at the bottom of the glass. "I have no desire to," he admitted quietly.
Harry stood up and placed his tumbler on the mantle before kneeling in front of Severus' chair. Placing his hands on Severus' thighs, he looked up at him.
"Harry, what are you doing?" Severus asked tightly. Harry rubbed his hands lightly over the muscled legs. Without answering, Harry leaned up and captured Severus' lips with his own. Harry wandlessly waved his hand over Severus' tumbler and it reappeared next to Harry's on the mantle. With his hands free, Severus began to stroke Harry's back feeling the muscles ripple beneath his fingertips. Harry pushed harder into Severus' body, devouring his lips until Severus groaned with desire. Pulling back, Harry leaned his forehead against Severus' forehead. The only sounds in the room were the two men panting and the fire crackling.
Harry pulled back and smiled softly at him. Severus' thumb caressed Harry's cheek and Harry leaned into the touch and sighed. Opening his eyes, he asked, "Would you like me to rub your feet as I used to after dinner?" Swallowing roughly, Severus nodded unable to speak.
Harry stood up and went to the foyer to grab a container out of his cloak. Coming back into the sitting room, he held it up for Severus to see. "I made a batch of your favorite lotion."
Severus smirked. "I thought you never were prepared, Harry."
Harry shrugged embarrassed, his cheeks flaming. Ducking his head, he responded, "I guess there's a first time for everything."
Sitting cross-legged in front of Severus' chair, Harry pulled off the Potions Masters' footwear and pulled one foot into his lap. He unscrewed the lid to the lotion and set it beside him.
"Should I be worried?" Severus asked, a teasing note in his voice.
Harry looked up confused. "About?"
"Well, you said you made the lotion and we both know your aptitude in the finer art of potions…." Severus trailed off and waved his hand over Harry.
"Very funny, love," Harry said darkly. He looked up as he suddenly realized he slipped and used Severus' nickname.
Severus breathed deeply. "Continue, Harry," he said softly, ignoring the term of endearment.
Harry dipped his fingers into the lotion and began rubbing it into Severus' feet. Severus leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes focusing on the feel of Harry's fingers on his feet. He began to imagine those fingers in other places. After several moments, Harry switched feet and began working on the other foot. Severus' tense body was utterly relaxed by the time that Harry finished. Listening to Harry screw the lid back onto the lotion and casting a cleansing spell, Severus refused to open his eyes and return to reality. During the past few moments, it was easy to forget what a mess their marriage really was.
Harry got back up on his knees and leaned into Severus' body. "Severus?" he asked quietly. Severus opened his eyes and gazed affectionately at the man. He rubbed a hand over Harry's hair and down the side of his face. His thumb traced Harry's bottom lip. "I missed this," he admitted.
Harry's eyes lit up and he nodded in agreement. Severus sat up and put his hands on either side of Harry's head. He leaned in and slowly captured the man's lips in a slow, possessive kiss. He couldn't tell Harry how he truly felt at this moment, but he poured all of that emotion into the man's lips. Pulling back, he looked at Harry.
"Wow," Harry breathed out. "That was incredible."
"I think that is time for you to go home, Harry," Severus said looking away.
"Yes, it is. Sorry, I overstayed my welcome," Harry replied with a small smile. He knew that Severus was cracking, but the man was stubborn. It would take more than a couple of days to build that trust again. He pushed himself up and grabbed his cloak. On his way out, he smiled when he heard Severus say, "I'll see you again soon, Harry."
The next few weeks continued along the same vein. Harry would spend as much time with Severus as possible. He cooked dinner, brought books he knew Severus would enjoy, helped prepare ingredients for the increasing orders, and showed affection in any way that Severus would allow. It felt like their courtship all over again, except this time it was Harry who was pursuing the man he loved.
After a rousing dinner discussion about the new curriculum that Hogwarts was rolling out, Harry once again shooed Severus out of the kitchen to clean up. Standing in front of the sink, humming happily, he felt a pair of arms encircle his waist and pull him back against a familiar body. Harry moaned and leaned his head back against Severus' chest exposing his neck. Severus chuckled at Harry's unspoken invitation. He leaned in and nibbled down the sensitive column. Moaning, Harry turned and crushed his lips against Severus' in a bruising kiss. He wrapped his arms around the man's neck trying to get as close as possible. Severus pulled back and started nuzzling Harry's neck with his nose, stopping to bite and tease every sensitive part. By the time he was finished, Harry was panting with need.
"Stay with me tonight," Severus invited.
Harry breathed out softly. "Are you sure, love? I don't want things to happen until you are ready."
Severus tightened his grip. "I love you, Harry, and I want you more than I care to admit. But you have to decide if I'm enough. Will you be able to love only me for the rest of your life?" Severus sounded embarrassed by the question he asked, exposing his desire for Harry.
Harry put a hand under Severus' chin and pushed up until the man met his eyes. "I will never love anyone but you, Severus. From now on, my heart, mind, body, and spirit belong only to you."
Severus leaned in and captured Harry's lips in a sweet promise of what was to come. He pulled back and smirked, running his arms down Harry's arms and grabbing his arse. "Then come, my love, and let me worship your body."
Harry teared up in happiness and stepped out of the embrace. Grabbing his husband's hand, he let them back to the bedroom. "Forever, Severus."