Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. They belong to J.K. Rowling. I'm not making any money from this in any way.
Slash of the male/male kind will eventually be appearing in this story. If you don't like slash, or the idea of Harry/Severus, then please leave. Don't read what you don't like.
I dedicate this story to DT – who, despite being really busy this year, I've still managed to keep in touch with. huggles
Yes – this is the second edition of Chapter Twelve. When I posted this chapter the first time, I had just written it. Big mistake. Something I won't be doing ever again. So here is the new and revised edition – longer and hopefully better, adding bits that I think needed to be added.
I apologise for this, and the inconvenience – but hopefully (!) you like this edition of Chapter Twelve better. I know that I do.
Chapter Twelve.
I suppose I'll just have to go and have a look now at what the old coot has come up with this time.
Well… I must admit for once Dumbledore has shown great taste with clothing. It's simple, which suits me fine, and a good cross between muggle and wizard.
It matches Harry's dress beautifully.
Dumbledore has made us complement each other.
And I know what he's trying to do. He saw the stare between us while in his office. I bet he had this all planned out from the beginning.
I bet that he planned on us becoming friends, something we both know, but have yet to tell each other.
I bet that he planned on me falling in love with the nosy, pesky, annoying brat.
I bet that he planned I would be doing what I'll be doing tonight.
I bet.
Meddling old fool.
I hope that Harry will hurry up. He's been in his room since I arrived; only opening the door long enough to grab his dress from me with quick thanks for brining it down.
He was bloody lucky that I didn't leave it in Dumbledore's office… As I would have done before.
Before all of this happened.
If he doesn't hurry, we'll be late. Like usual.
Sigh.
I can't help but grin. I look perfect. I look wonderful.
Dumbledore's dress is fantastic. And the accessories – they match perfectly! I wonder if he had McGonagall's help… Usually the Professor goes for something a lot more… Gaudy.
I'm glad he didn't this time though. Very very glad.
Severus is pacing around in the lounge room. I can hear him. Probably fretting that we're going to be late. Humph. We'll just make a grand entrance together.
Ohhh… Everybody's eyes on Severus and I together.
Sigh – its times like this that I could just come clean about who 'Jamari Paton' really is to everybody else. But I suppose it's not like it's very hard to act like Jamari, I just act like myself with no strings attached – and so far nobody has noticed.
Or so I think.
Deep breath. It's time to face Severus.
I wonder what he'll think about how I look.
Grin. My eyeliner looks especially good tonight, and these heels are heavenly.
Holy bloody hell.
I never thought a man could look so good in female's clothing.
Yes – Harry has proved this thought of mine to be wrong many times, but now…
He looks beautiful.
Absolutely beautiful.
He smiles shyly, looking up at me from under his eyelashes. "You look very handsome Severus. Did Professor Dumbledore give you your clothing for tonight as well?" He's so innocent. So sincere at times. A bare minimum of times – but still…
I have to cough to move that annoying lump in my throat, "Yes he did. He thought it would be…" I trial off and remember Dumbledore's final words as I left his office, Those two will look so romantic together tonight matching, "… nice if we wore matching outfits."
The boy just smiled at me.
"Then I suppose we should face the music then Severus." He held out his arm to me.
Ha. Not quite yet.
Moving into my bedroom, I gather up something special I had ordered for Harry tonight.
That annoying lump. Clear throat. "This is for you Harry." I weave the dark red rose into his hair, and place a matching one in my button hole.
"Thank you Severus." It's heartfelt. I can feel it.
We're standing just outside the Great Halls. Sounds of music and people are filtering through the doors. It reminds me of the first time we stood here – waiting to face the rest of the school for the first time…
"Right Potter," he whispers, "Now remember not to make a fool of yourself or eat with your hands. That's what the cutlery is for."
I can't help but laugh, Severus remembered that time as well. Grinning I face him and am not shocked to see a slight smile playing upon his lips and his eyes with a small sparkle to them.
Once upon a time, actually about six weeks ago, I would have been horrified at Severus… Snape, smiling, especially at me. Now it just seems natural. I suppose that living constantly with a person will do that to you.
He offers me his arm. Breathe deeply. This is just like any other night. Except you have to dance. With Severus. In front of the school.
But you can dance now – so it doesn't matter, does it Potter. No. You can do this. You can do this.
You will not stuff up. You will not make a fool of yourself… Or of Severus.
We stride into the Great Hall. Both of us walking proudly. Our matching outfits looking sophisticated among all of the students' robes and dresses.
Harry doesn't falter once. Even in those bloody heels.
I lead him straight onto the dance floor, since I can hear the beginnings of a simple waltz starting up. Seeing the fear in Harry's eyes, I lean down to his ear, "Don't worry Harry you look beautiful, and I know that you will dance perfectly." He looks up at me, "I taught you didn't I."
He laughs and I smile.
I can hear one of the students fainting – I mean it isn't that strange that I could be happy enough to actually smile. Bloody students.
Some of the boy's tenseness leaves his body. Good. It will make it much easier to dance if he's relaxed.
Not to mention doing what I plan to do.
Dancing with Severus is one of my most favourite things to do these days. It's wonderful, it's heavenly.
I can feel the students, and teachers (ha McGonagall!) eyes on me – but this time I don't care. They see me as Jamari Paton. Anything Severus and I do is alright. Anything. Smile.
I have this definite feeling that something big and important is going to happen tonight – but damned if I can put my finger on what.
We've been dancing for a couple of songs now. The students, and other professors, have gotten over their initial shock of seeing me in the pleasant company with another human, and have gotten back to their inane talking and inadequate dancing.
The song ends. Harry's checks are slightly flushed. Should I do it now? He's looking up at me, expecting something. Anything.
So I kiss him. Good. No better than good. Pure bliss.
In front of the whole school.
Now I understand how much I've fallen for this boy – no young man. How much I wouldn't be able to do without him.
Damn everything, I'm going to do it.
"Jamari Paton…" Harry Potter, "Will you marry me?"
That's it. Severus asked me to marry me. He just swooped in and kissed me. And now he's proposing.
At the Winter Equinox ball. In front of the whole school.
Look deep into his eyes. Thinking. Try not to drown in them. Is he sincere.
All I can think of is the last six weeks, not the years before – and, yes, yes I do.
Yes. Yes – I Harry Potter love Severus Snape.
Severus is just standing there, waiting, patiently.
"Yes."
Can't breathe. Is he ever going to answer? What if he doesn't feel the same way? I meant it was rather sudden...
No… He must. The looks, the touches. Even all of that arguing.
"Yes."
I don't know how one simple word can make me feel like I'm floating. But it does.
I kiss him again.
Everybody's looking again – but damn, I don't care.
Hmmm…
Perfect.
I wonder if this is what Dumbledore wanted.
Note:
Thank you for all of your lovely reviews and ideas – especially the ideas and encouragement. When I get stuck, I go back and re-read the reviews hoping for the inspiration to continue. And that's basically what's gotten "You Want What" even up to where it is.
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That way I can answer any questions you might have.