"Let's go!"
Harry grabbed his hand and without leaving him a chance to protest, dragged him outside. The grounds were beautiful. Beautiful and empty. Thank Merlin for it being summer, Severus thought. The boy - man, he corrected himself - stopped them, hand in hand, just by the Black lake.
He could feel Harry's magic vibrating through their connected hands. The gryffindor's hand was soft, tanned and fit perfectly in to the larger, calloused Headmaster's. Severus stood next to the energetic young man as their eyes took in the view of the burning sun reflecting of the lake waters.
Eventually, the taller man turned his head to his partner. His emerald eyes were shining, and his adorable dimples became visible due to his annoyingly wide smile. Severus froze to enjoy the moment. He was happy. Happier than he had ever been in his life. He desperately wanted to pop his question, but he knew this moment was not the right one.
Harry faced him, his brightness never dimming. For a moment he stared back at Severus, then stood on tip toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Severus growled and the Gryffindor ran away laughing.
"Not acceptable, Mr Potter." he followed him with his eyes.
"Why Headmaster, I think you should earn it." Severus raised an eyebrow, "Catch me if you can, sir!"
If years ago, one would have told the Potions Master that one day he would be chasing after a laughing Harry Potter, he would have sent them straight to St Mungo's. Now, he couldn't think of a better way to spend his time than listen to the boy's - man's, he corrected himself again - melodic sounds of joy.
After receiving the kiss he fought for, they laid side by side in the fresh, green grass. Severus felt content. He wanted to enjoy the moment as long as he could, but at the back of his mind the thought of the time limit kept nagging him. His right hand reached to his robe pocket, and felt the little cube box that waited there.
"Harry?"
"Yes, Sev?"
He discussed this course of action with Poppy extensively. He even involved know-it-all Granger and lioness Minerva to his plans. They all came to the same mixed emotional conclusion. But the Slytherin was determined to try anyway. And when if not now?
Severus stood and pulled Harry to his feet. The young man pulled a face, then saw the Headmaster go down on one knee and his eyes widened.
"Harry Potter. You have been in my life more years than not. We went through thick and thin together, and I cannot imagine spending the rest of my life without you." he paused and took a deep breath getting the box out of his pocket, "Will you do me the honor and stand by my side?"
The gryffindor stared at Severus then at the silver ring in the box; an engagement ring the potions master had specially made in France. Harry broke out into another huge smile and nodded frantically, leaning down to kiss him.
However, a few centimetres from Severus' lips, the boy froze and confusion took over his petite face. Harry immediately pulled back and the Headmaster knew his happy times were once again at an end. Severus quickly pocketed the ring box before the other noticed and stood.
"Professor? Oh. Are you alright? What are we doing out here?"
"Nothing Harry. Let's get you back inside. Madam Pomfrey wanted to have a word."
He led the young man through the corridors, missing the smaller hand that clutched his own not many minutes before.