Chapter 18: The End of the End
Harry paced in the living room. He had been ready early, too early, and had come downstairs so as not to annoy Severus further. Severus was nervous enough without his fidgeting. Not that most could tell that Severus was nervous. Harry smiled, I can tell. The way his eyes scan the room, the way he presses his lips together in a thin line. He's nervous about this party. I am too. Harry smoothed over his robes, the green ones with the gold trim. Something about the way Severus looked at him when he pulled these from the armoire, the intensity of his gaze, the way Harry felt devoured, well, that certainly left no other reasonable choice, now did it?
He reached out to pour a glass of firewhiskey to settle him and then stopped. No, there will be a lot of liquor flowing tonight, best not start early. I'll need my wits. Sighing, he returned to pacing. It was going to be night without relief. They had a plan to nudge things but, as with all plans, nothing was foolproof. There were even backup plans – but things would be getting desperate if they had to use them. Harry chuckled, how many times did me, Ron and Hermione even have any plan. I'm really rubbing off on Severus if he's going along with this. Harry paused. Or he's desperate.
Harry glanced at the clock. 6:15 p.m. The party was set to start at seven. He resisted the urge to run a hand through his hair, which was not sticking up at the moment. "Let's go," he muttered impatiently. No guests would be there yet and most would be fashionably late. Hermione was most likely there, seeing to the final arrangements. I just want to go and be done with it and come home and give Severus another massage.
Another smile sprang up onto his face. Harry and Severus had gone to see Carol, their new counselor. Harry liked her instantly. She was the grandmother he had never had. In her sixties, she had a grace that spoke of both experience of the world and joy of life. Her smile always touched her eyes and Harry found her easy to speak with as she just seemed to understand whatever he said. Severus didn't talk of his private discussions with Carol, and Harry had not asked, but he did say that he would return. Carol spoke to Harry and Severus together, after their individual sessions, speaking mostly to Harry.
*Flashback*
"You're young and enthusiastic," said Carol to Harry, "which is wonderful. And I can clearly see that you love Severus." Harry nodded. "Let Severus take the lead. In all consideration, I'm surprised that the physical aspect of your relationship had progressed as far as it has. It's okay to go slow. Both of you." She settled her gaze on Severus and Harry, each in turn before continuing. "Since, Severus, you seem to be comfortable with contact with Harry, I would like to suggest that you explore more non-sexual touch, a hand or foot rub, a hug as a greeting, a touch on the shoulder to get attention, things you would feel appropriate doing to a friend or a child. I want you to get comfortable and relaxed with each other."
Harry blushed "And if I find myself aroused anyway?"
"Just let Severus be the one in control," she said, chuckling. "I know a young man's hormones get the best of him." Turning to Severus, "it's okay if Harry's body responds to you, that's a natural thing and hopefully someday a welcome thing. But it's also okay to give yourself space if you are distressed, there's no pressure here, and a simple request to stop is all the explanation you need give." Severus looked quite thoughtful, but merely nodded
That evening, while relaxing before the fireplace, Harry offered to massage his hands.
"I don't think Carol was suggesting that literally," Severus said.
Harry shrugged "It sounded nice."
Severus held out a hand. Harry moved to sit on the footstool in front of Severus' chair. Gently taking the hand between his two, he began to smooth over the back of Severus' hand while his other supported the palm. After a few strokes, he stopped and let Severus' hand go.
"That was less than satisfactory."
Harry stuck out his tongue and summoned some hand lotion. Pouring a bit in his hands, he rubbed it between his palms before picking up Severus' hand again. He smoothed the lotion over the hand and flipping it over, he used his thumbs to massage Severus' palm in smooth circles. Severus settled back in the chair, letting his head drop back and his eyes close. When the palm had been properly attended, Harry turned the hand over and glided his thumbs along the back of Severus' hand. Then, supporting the hand by one of his, Harry began working each long finger individually, kneading, rolling, swirling his fingers around each of Severus', gliding with the slickness of the lotion.
Severus' lips had parted and his mouth had opened slightly. Harry knew he was in trouble, even as he pulled lightly on each finger and firmly rubbed the pad of his thumb on each fingertip, because his thoughts were of kissing that palm and sucking those fingers and how those long nimble fingers would feel touching him. This is supposed to be non-sexual.
After massaging Severus' wrist and stroking over his entire hand several more times, Harry placed the hand on Severus' knee. The other hand was raised and offered. As Harry took it, Severus licked his lips. Harry froze, mesmerized by that tongue sliding over that mouth. Glancing at the hand he now held, he reflected that there was no lotion on these digits to detract from the taste. Tempted, his gazed returned to Severus' face. He's so relaxed, at peace, don't disturb that. Applying more lotion, Harry rubbed it onto Severus' hand with long slow strokes from wrist to fingertips. Severus raised his head and watched. Using his thumbs, he applied pressure in small circles over the back of the hand and palm. Each digit was carefully pulled and then lavished with individual attention. Only when he was sure that all muscle, tendon and bones had been reduced to putty did he put down Severus' hand.
Harry's hands were sore, which was a shame since he was going to need some relief shortly. He smoothed over the hand as it rested on Severus' knee, one last time.
"Thank you," Severus whispered.
Harry looked up and his mouth went dry. He couldn't remember such an open expression on Severus before, a calm face full of warmth. All the moisture his mouth lacked pooled in his eyes. I made him feel like that.
Severus leaned forward, placing his hands on Harry's knees. "My hands feel like they've been worshipped," he rumbled in a low voice that vibrated through Harry.
Harry desperately swallowed to regain his voice and he mentally screamed at the urgency of his body to go away.
"You're aroused," Severus stated flatly and he sat back in his chair, looking a bit uncomfortable.
"Oh God, yes," moaned Harry.
"I'm not," whispered Severus, sadly.
"I'm so sorry," Harry whined. "I've ruined everything."
"Don't be melodramatic," snapped Severus. With a sigh, he rose. "Let's retire for the evening."
Harry nodded, rose and followed Severus upstairs. Climbing into bed after a brief but intense cold shower, Harry felt deflated in more ways than one.
*End Flashback*
Harry had long since ceased pacing while lost in thought. He startled at Severus entering the room. Severus cocked his eyebrow as he regarded Harry.
"Sorry," muttered Harry, "didn't hear you." Then he drank in the ambrosia that was Severus Snape. Forgoing his customary black, Severus' understated silk robes were a deep rich crimson, trimmed simply in black. The excellence of the tailoring and the quality of the fabric spoke more to those with an eye for taste than any embellishment could. Harry noticed how his once black hair, now streaked white and gray, had grown enough to brush against the top of his collar. Harry stepped forward to touch that soft hair, but Severus caught his hand.
"We should leave," said Severus and raised Harry's hand to kiss his palm.
"Where are we going?" Harry asked in a daze.
Severus snorted. "To some fool party."
"Cancelled. Gotta stay home."
Severus smiled and softly kissed him. "Don't splinch yourself," and he disapparated.
Harry sighed heavily and followed.
Arriving at Hogwarts' gates, he joined Severus in the waiting carriage that brought them to the castle proper. From his stiff posture, Harry knew that Severus was anxious and he squeezed his hand; Severus merely nodded in reply.
They made their way to the Great Hall finding Hermione and Rita Skeeter at the entrance. Hermione stepped forward and smiled. "Hello. Did you use the anti-obliviate charm?"
"What charm?" asked Harry, a blank look on his face.
"Oh no!" cried Hermione.
"We spelled each other earlier in the evening," said Severus, glaring at Harry.
Harry shrugged and grinned.
"Really, Harry," an exasperated Hermione retorted.
Rita Skeeter edged forward. "So good to see you again Harry and Mr. Snape. And together. I hope you'll allow me a picture later."
"Hopefully, other pictures will present themselves as the night progresses that are more newsworthy," replied Harry.
"Quite a little puzzle you gave me. My contacts have been rather unhelpful. I did uncover some interesting tidbits…" she trailed off.
Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head and glanced back to the Hall where quite a few redheads scurried about.
"What do you want?" asked Harry.
"Perhaps, the chance to speak without Veritaserum?" growled Severus, eyes narrowed with a feral glint. "I am sure she has many things of interest to share."
Rita Skeeter blanched.
"I think exclusive rights will do fine," Harry chuckled. "I play fair, provided such courtesy is returned to me."
"Of course, Harry dear, of course," said Rita, smoothing the nonexistent wrinkles from her robes. "Just tidbits so far, not enough for a story you understand. Minister Bones terminated the search for Mr. Snape about the same time as accepting a Michael Mulciber as a ward, the son of a former Death Eater. Mulciber died last year, the cause of which I haven't been able to determine. Nor its relevance. As far as the publishing industry, Hannah Abbott Boot wasn't very clever about hiding her involvement. She is well known in the business and it didn't take much to notify people that the Death Eater, child-molesting, hated potions' master Snape was trying to publish a Defense Against the Dark Arts book of all things."
"Don't speak of him like that," hissed Harry. "He spied for Dumbledore and is most certainly not a child molester." Severus' hand came to rest on his shoulder.
Rita snickered. "Still so naïve. Don't you know that the truth is what people chose it to be?"
Harry opened his mouth to argue, but Severus stopped him with a squeeze of his hand. "You'll wear yourself out quickly defending me."
"But--"
"Let see what the night reveals and the effect it will have on public opinion. Do not place much hope there though."
Harry nodded, resigned.
***
The guest began arriving and Harry remained at the entrance with Hermione, greeting people. Severus was standing just far enough away to observe everyone as they entered without the necessity of greeting them.
The enchanted ceiling reflected the clear night sky with an endless bounty of shimmering stars. The band was set up where the head table normally resided and was now playing soft soothing melodies as a backdrop. Above their heads, thousands of candles floated softly illuminating the room and hovering a few inches over each of the round tables that graced the space were a few small glowing spheres.
"Good evening, Professor," Harry and Hermione both chimed as McGonagall arrived.
"Good evening, Harry, Hermione," she responded, inclining her head toward each.
"Thank you for allowing me the use of the Hall," said Harry.
"Your note was quite interesting. Not the best approach for asking for something, I must say. Most people don't take kindly to an assertion that they will be proven wrong." She paused to smile. "However, in this instance, I will not object if I am."
"Then why do you believe such things?" asked Harry.
"For the safety of the children, of course."
"Their safety has never been in question."
McGonagall inclined her head toward Harry and moved past him into the room.
"I don't understand her," muttered Harry.
Hermione sighed. "People have done the most terrible things under the belief that it was the right thing to do."
Harry shrugged and turned to greet more guests.
"Good evening, Minister Bones," he said with false cheer.
"Good evening, Mr. Potter." The Minister nodded a brief greeting toward Hermione. "I found it odd that your invitation made no reference as to why you're having this party." Her eyes scanned the room before resting on Severus. She looked at him intensely for a moment before returning her attention to Harry.
"I decided that a celebration was the best way for me to express to the world my joy at recently blessings in my life."
"'Blessings in your life'? Of course," she said and patted his arm. "Of course," she murmured again and walked into the Hall looking strangely sad.
Harry stared after her. "What was that about?"
Now it was Hermione's turn to shrug.
A larger group of guests arrived, consisting of Neville and Susan Longbottom, Michael Corner, Terry and Hannah Boot and Winston Chamberlain. Welcoming words and embraces became jumbled together as greetings were exchanged among the former schoolmates. Harry noted that Ron had slipped into the mix and that if Severus' gaze grew any more intense someone may well burst into flames.
Harry drew Winston aside a little bit from the tumult. Winston was dress in robes of midnight blue, his hair hung loose about his face and Harry found himself again unwilling attracted to him.
"I wanted to apologize for my behavior at the banquet some weeks ago," Harry began, "as I left rather abruptly."
Winston gave a winsome smile. "You have nothing to apologize for. I was concerned that I somehow offended you."
Harry forced himself to smile in return. "Not at all. In fact, please accept this small token," he brought out a gold-wrapped candy box," as a gesture of goodwill." Harry held out the box to Winston.
"Chocolates?" Winston accepted the box, long fingers brushing over Harry's as he did. Opening the box, he ran his hand lightly over the rich dark candies. Stepping closer to Harry, he murmured in a low voice, "Among some cultures, chocolate is considered an aphrodisiac, that's why they're exchanged among lovers."
"Really?" replied Harry, in mock interest. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Severus step closer.
Winston removed a chocolate from the box and inhaled. "Honeyduke's finest, if I'm not mistaken."
Harry arched an eyebrow watching Winston's display and struggling to keep any other emotion from his face, he said, "It's a new line of gourmet chocolates that will soon be for sale."
"Mmm," moaned Winston, slowly biting into the candy. He pulled the uneaten half away and held it out to Harry to sample. Harry shook his head and picked up a chocolate from the box. "Sumptuous," sighed Winston and he placed the rest of the chocolate in his mouth, sucking on the top of his finger as he did. This sensual display was disrupted a moment later when, 'POP', a newt replaced Winston and the box hit the floor with a smack.
"Canary Cream, for old time's sake?" Ron held a box of candies out to Neville.
Laughing, Neville picked up a chocolate and examined it. "I should have known."
"The twins are introducing a whole new line of transfiguration chocolates," continued Ron. "Harry's apparently sampled them all!"
Harry had squatted down beside 'Winston'. "Seems you got the Newt Nougat." Behind him there were chuckles.
Standing up at the next pop, Harry started to apologize. "Sorry, I just--" Harry stopped and stared at the man who had recently been a newt.
Susan screamed and promptly fainted.
It was Michael Mulciber.