Rating: PG-13

Genres: Romance, Angst, Fluff

Warnings: OOC-ness

Spoilers: n/a

Summary: Harry convinces Severus to start a relationship with him. Severus realizes how wonderful Harry is.

Song: Head over Feet

Artist: Alanis Morissette

Author's Note: Originally a songfic, the lyrics have been removed from this fic to comply with FF rules. Song lyrics can be found here: www (dot) azlyrics (dot) com (slash) lyrics (slash) alanismorissette (slash) headoverfeet (dot) html

For the original version of this fic, please check out my livejournal:

www (dot) livejournal (dot) com (slash) users (slash) Harry (underscore) sev (slash)

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At first Severus found Harry's constant presence annoying. After all, how was he supposed to enjoy his breakfast when Potter was right there, hinting at what a great couple to two of them would make. Some days he didn't even hint at it; he flat-out told Severus that he thought they'd make a great couple. Severus ignored him every time.

xxx

Over the next several months, Harry seemed determined to show Severus why they would make a great couple. Harry made sure that Severus ate enough. He made sure that Severus was getting enough sleep. He asked how Severus's day was and seemed genuinely interested in the reply-not that he often got one. Severus brushed off Harry's questions, but at the same time was internally pleased that someone seemed to care about him.

xxx

After another month or so, Severus finally admitted that he loved Harry. To himself. He decided that he had nothing to lose by giving this relationship a try. So one night when Harry was making his usual trip down to Severus's rooms, Severus gave in and agreed to start a relationship with Harry. Harry was ecstatic.

xxx

It wasn't long before the Daily Prophet learned that the Boy Who Lived was dating an ex-Death Eater. There was an instant uproar. The people didn't like the fact that their savoir was dating filth. Severus was sure that Harry would back off now that his public was turning on him, but he was surprised.

Harry stood before the world and told them that Severus was the bravest man he had ever met. He told them that Severus was the reason he even knew how to fight Voldemort, and that Severus was the reason that Harry was still alive today. Harry's words were printed in every paper, and eventually the hate mail stopped coming to Severus. Severus was amazed. That Harry thought enough of him to defend him in front of everyone gave Severus a warm feeling in the pit of his stomach.

xxx

That night was one of the best nights of Severus's life. They had sex like usual, but it was so much more incredible than it was before. Severus could feel his love for Harry coming out with every caress, every thrust, every kiss. Afterward, Harry turned around in his arms and whispered, "I love you."xxx

Severus felt his throat tighten at hearing those words. He knew that he loved Harry as well, but he wasn't ready to say it aloud yet. He told Harry as much, and he begged for Harry to be patient with him. Harry just smiled, gave him a kiss, and said that he had all the time in the world.


xxx

Severus decided that before he could admit his love, Harry needed to know more about him. Severus found himself discussing his childhood with Harry, sharing everything that had made him so afraid to fall in fall, everything that made him so sure he was unlovable. To his surprise, Harry understood exactly how he felt, and therefore knew exactly how to comfort him. Severus had never allowed anyone to comfort him before, but now that he was with Harry, if felt right.


xxx

Severus woke up safe and warm. He realized he had never felt this good before. He knew, as he looked down at the sleeping man next to him, that he owed everything to Harry. He couldn't believe there had been a time when he had been afraid to show his feelings. Harry made him feel like he was the most precious person on earth, and yet the younger man had never asked for anything in return. Severus decided that it was high time he showed Harry how much he meant to him.


xxx

Severus tip-toed out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. He then prepared a huge meal consisting of all of Harry's favorite foods. Severus walked back into their bedroom and set the tray down on the nightstand. Then he leaned over and kissed Harry.

Harry felt warm lips press against his own and smiled. Blinking against the harsh light, Harry took in Severus's face above him.

"Morning," he yawned, stretching a bit before collapsing back against the pillows.

"Good morning," replied Severus. "I made you breakfast."

Harry looked at the huge mountain of food beside the bed and started. Severus had really gone out of his way this morning. He wondered what the occasion was. His confusion seemed to show on his face, because Severus continued talking.

"You've been so patient with me all this time. You stayed interested in me all that time before I admitted I wanted a relationship with you. You let me take my time getting comfortable around you. No body has ever acting this...loving toward me before. I didn't know how to react. I was scared. But now I realize that I had nothing to be scared of. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met, and you are the most caring person I have ever met. What I wanted to say is that...I love you."

Harry's eyes filled with happy tears at Severus's confession. He had waited so long to hear those words. Harry flung himself at Severus, wrapping his arms around the older man and sobbing quietly into his shoulder. Severus held Harry close, rubbing his back gently and pressing kisses to the top of his head.

"I love you, too," Harry cried. "I love you so much."

Severus rocked Harry gently as he cried. Neither had ever been happier. They just sat there all morning, holding each other. The food lay forgotten next to the table.