Harry quickly dropped his head, keeping his gaze intently on the floor as he shuffled through the corridor; fully aware his old lover Severus was walking his way. His steps seemed prolonged and drawn out, it was almost agonizing to be near Severus without others surrounding them. It had become bearable in the classroom, and even in the Great Hall, but alone the tension was too great. It seemed as the weeks went by, both grew colder and colder – or possibly only Harry did. Severus never breathed an angry word, never flinched, never so much as even sneered anywhere near Harry, and for that the student felt somewhat guilty.

Harry let out a tiny sigh of relief as Severus passed him without any noise, but just as he did, words floated through the air to his ears.

"Harry, do you think…" Severus' voice was a bit shaky as he spoke, but he stood tall and looked no less intimidating.

"What?" He snapped a little too harshly.

"I was wondering if we could possibly converse sometime in private about certain matters."

"I suppose."

"Well, Mr. Potter, are you currently available?"

"Uh, ah, n-now? Well…" Harry stammered, slowly turning to face the Professor for the first time in awhile.

"If it isn't too much trouble."

"Well, I suppose right now is fine." Harry smoothed out his robes and took a few steps closer to Severus, and watched as the older man took a slightly deep breath, as if preparing.

"Very well then. Follow me." They walked in an awkward silence down flights of stairs, and after torturous minutes of tension they arrived at Severus' private room. Entering the room, Harry took note of the fact it seemed slightly less dim than he remembered it to be.

"Take a seat, Mr. Potter."

"You can stop calling me that, now," Harry breathed out slowly while seating himself on a black leather sofa.

"Alright, Harry."

"So, what is it that you wished to discuss with me?"

"I think you have an idea…"

"Well, get on with it."

"I've been doing some thinking Harry, and I have been studying you and how you've been without me. You seem genuinely happier, am I correct?" Harry scoffed at Severus, shaking his head slightly.

"Just because I have a wonderful boyfriend and loving friends does not mean I am any happier over what happened between us. You know you much I loved you." Severus cringed slightly at a certain word being used in the past tense.

"Yes, I do. And actually, that is what I was planning on speaking with you about. You see, I've been thinking about myself as well in this situation, and I can say that I was happier with you around. And without you, it seems a bit more… dreary, you could say." Severus looked slightly nervous, as Harry's eyes seemed as if they would pop out of his head.

"Severus, are you actually getting soft on me? No more 'I cannot admit I feel emotions like other humans'?"

"Well I am definitely not saying I cannot live without you. Because I am perfectly capable of that. I was just simply stating that I might, possibly, miss you."

Silence fell between them for a moment as they just stared at one another. Harry's mind was reeling, as was Severus', and neither knew what would end up happening. Harry felt extremely guilty he was even having this conversation when Draco loved him so much, but no one meant more to him than Severus.

"You know what you have to do…" Harry's voice was barely even a whisper as he reached out a hand and slightly touched the other mans fingers, stroking them gently.

A deep intake of breath. Closed eyes. Open eyes. Mouth parted slightly… Harry wondered if this was actually happening.

"I love you."

After those simple three words, barely could be remembered. Only wandering hands and quiet moans, clothes hastily being pushed off and soft kisses all over pale skin. Neither knew anything of time, and neither truly cared. It had been so long since they had even spoken, and even though it was wrong to do, touching felt too good stop.

Harry rested his head on his lover's chest, letting arms wrap around his waist, keeping him close. Sweat glistened on both bodies, and the scent of lust and sex hung heavily in the air. Severus let his fingertips trace patterns on Harry's back, lightly and playfully, while his eyelids drooped from exhaustion.

"Severus?" Harry mumbled.

"Yes?"

"Did you mean it?"

"Do you even have to ask?"