A/n: Sorry for long delay. Real Life got in the way.
Chapter Six
Harry was watching the telly the night before Christmas Eve. He couldn't stop thinking about spending Christmas alone, but he wasn't supposed to be leaving the house. It was frustrating. All those years growing up at the Dursley's, he'd been relegated to sit in his cupboard, not saying a word, during the Dursley's yearly Christmas parties. He was also never invited to them if the Dursley's went to one. Dudley would get to stay with his friends, but Harry had to go and stay with Mrs. Figg. On Christmas, Harry had to watch Dudley open all of his presents, and there were always too many while he got nothing. The idea of being alone on Christmas just brought back bad memories that he'd rather forget.
Hermione came by home late, a smile crossing her face. She held a couple of boxes in her arms. She leaned up against the doorway for a bit, before coming to sit next to him on the bed. "So, how was your date?" He asked. She and Draco had their Christmas date tonight, and that just reminded him that he wouldn't wouldn't see Severus for Christmas. He'd have to give him his present sometime. He should have given it to him when he'd been by the other day. He knew Severus wouldn't come for Christmas. He was still trying to keep him at arm's length, despite Harry working on those walls he kept up. If Harry wanted to see him for Christmas, he'd have to go there. That wasn't an option.
"Wonderful," Hermione said, that smile still on her face. "You won't believe what he got me." She grabbed the first box, a larger one. She had set them in front of her. She opened it up and lifted out if it a large, leather bound book. "It's a first-edition book about Arithmancy. So fascinating." She carefully set it down on the bed, and then grabbed the second book. It was much smaller, like a box that jewelry would be in. Why would he have gotten her jewelry? They had only been dating for a couple of weeks.
However, he was wrong. She opened them up and showed a pair of sparkly, diamond earrings. They were nothing fancy but were small and understated. "Very nice," Harry said, and they were - both gifts. "Expensive." It was true, though. They both looked expensive.
"A bit, yes, but this is Draco," Hermione said. "That's his style. Of course, I wish he wouldn't have done all this for me. I said as much, but he said he wanted to. This really is his style, if you think about it. And I do love them. Besides, your gift for Snape is quite expensive." She looked at gave him that 'You know I'm right' look.
Harry shrugged. "Yeah, you're right. It was expensive, and he'll probably tell me as much when I give it to him." Whenever that is, Harry thought to himself. "It was perfect, though."
Hermione nodded, smiling at him again. "Yes, and so are these. I'm going to put them up." With that, she got up and grabbed her stuff. She went to her room, leaving Harry alone with his thoughts.
Christmas Eve was the next day. Hermione left quickly after lunch, saying she'd be back after dinner. It had been a while since she'd seen her parents, and she wanted to spend some time with them. That left Harry alone. He tried to forget that it was Christmas, and everyone was with their families and loved ones while he was alone. He tried just to watch the telly, but of course, there were Christmas shows on. As the afternoon wore on, it began to eat at him.
Harry reached over and grabbed the potions that Severus always left there. He looked at each one until he found the two that he was looking for - energy potions. Harry was feeling better every day, but his energy level was still low. The energy potions were really only for him to use to take showers, or if he absolutely needed to get up for something while no one was available to help him. Right now, he needed them to make sure he could get to where he wanted to go. Downing a potion, Harry suddenly felt much better. He got up and got dressed, trying to make himself look as nice as possible.
Harry grabbed a bottle of white wine out of the fridge. He and Hermione had bought it, but never drank it. He also grabbed Severus's ticket to the Symposium in July, as well as a Christmas card that he'd bought. He signed the card and then put the ticket inside, sealing the envelope. He wasn't sure he was up to the Floo right now, and he couldn't Apparate at the moment. He didn't want to risk it, even with the energy potion he took, and the other in his pocket. So, he walked out and caught a cab. He gave the cab driver the directions to the corner near the Leaky Cauldron.
Harry wondered how long his energy would last as he walked into the Leaky Cauldron. He took one potion and had the other energy potion with him. He wanted to make sure that he could last for the rest of the day, and not be so worn out that Severus had to take him home before he was ready to leave. He made his way down the street, which was pretty much deserted. The shops were closed for the holidays. The only lights around were those of the rooms on top of the shop where some people - like Severus - lived. It was towards Severus's that Harry headed.
Harry felt nervous as he reached Severus's back door. He wasn't sure why he was nervous. Surely, the potions master wouldn't turn him away. It was Christmas, for starters. Secondly, Severus obviously wanted him around they wouldn't have been seeing each other, not to mention snogging whenever they were around each other. Yes, he had nothing to worry about. He was being nervous for no stupid reason. He reached out a hand on knocked on the door.
No answer.
Harry's heart began to beat faster, and he knocked on the door again. This time, he could hear footsteps coming from inside. There was an angry voice, and then the door opened wide to reveal an angry Severus. The older man's anger faded away instantly upon seeing who it was, replaced by one of brief shock before going back to his mask of indifference.
"Harry, what in Merlin's name are you doing here?" Severus asked him.
"It's Christmas, of course," Harry said. "We were both alone, and no one should spend Christmas alone. I wanted to spend it with you."
"You should have Flooed me," Severus said, as he grabbed his arm and dragged him inside, shutting the door behind him.
"I was afraid that you would try and keep me at home, and you here," Harry said honestly. He simply couldn't spend another Christmas alone, not when he had spent so many alone as it was. At least Severus had let him inside; that was something anyway. He held up the bottle of wine, keeping the Christmas card with Severus's ticket in it in his other hand. "No one should spend Christmas alone. Unless you don't want me here, and then I can leave -"
Severus didn't hesitate, reaching out and grabbing Harry's arm to stop him from moving towards the door. "Nonsense," he said. "You're here. I will not have you going back now. Besides, your presence is appreciated." Harry smiled, and Severus led him up the stairs.
Severus was thoroughly annoyed. Harry was supposed to be on bed rest. That typically implied that one rest on a bed and didn't move. In fact, he still had trouble doing simple tasks, and yet he and used an energy potion to come here to spend time with him. Severus knew that was the only explanation - he must have used one of the energy potions. Those were only supposed to be used for emergencies, which this did not qualify as one. Perhaps he should have gone over to spend Christmas with Harry, though. That was obviously what the young man wanted. Severus had believed it was too soon for such things, but apparently not.
Severus led Harry up the stairs and guided him to the couch. "Stay here "and do not move without my assistance," he said.
"But I took the energy potion -"
"I assumed as much, yes, but it will start wearing off any minute now," Severus said. "It is not a particularly strong one because I gave them to you only for necessities while you are alone. And while I am grateful that you are here, you are on bed rest for a reason. Now, I was just about to start dinner, but I can easily stretch it for two people."
Harry handed over the bottle of wine. "I thought it was nice," Harry said. "I thought we needed something a bit nicer. It's not terribly expensive, but I liked it the last time Hermione and I bought it. I just haven't had a reason to drink it. I thought this was a good one."
Severus examined the bottle. "I'm sure it will be quite satisfactory," he said, summoning two glasses and pour them each one. "While I am making dinner." They clinked their glasses together before they each took a sip. It wasn't bad, though Severus had tasted better. He took the glass with him and sat at the table in the kitchen as he started cooking for two. "So, where is Ms. Granger?"
"At her parents," Harry answered from the living room. "She and Malfoy had their Christmas date last night and exchanged gifts. Usually, she would go to the Weasley's, but since the breakup with Ron, and now that she's moved on, well…"
Yes, Severus understood full well. Draco hadn't told Lucius or Narcissa yet, but he had pulled him aside the last time he had been over at the Manor for dinner to tell him about his new relationship. Granger had obviously told him about his relationship with Harry, so he must have felt that he would understand. Lucius and Narcissa weren't likely to be as understanding as he was, though. "Yes, quite understandable and wise on her part to skip those festivities," he agreed.
"I just wasn't up to going out, but… I just couldn't sit around the flat anymore," Harry said. "I should have called."
"Do not apologize," Severus said. "As I said before, I am grateful that you are here." He knew Harry was smiling, though he wasn't looking back at him. They made small talk - or what passed for small talk - as he finished dinner. Of course, Harry, the stubborn brat that he was, tried to get up on his own. "I told you not to move," he barked.
Harry froze on the couch and sat back down. "Sorry, I just -"
"Stop apologizing for everything," Severus told him as he crossed the kitchen and living room. He held out his hand, helping Harry up before slipping his arm around his shoulders. Harry looked up at him and smiled as they made their way into the kitchen.
They sipped on their wine throughout dinner, before making their way back to the couch. Severus sat down on the left side. Harry sat down next to him and sidled up next to him, their wine glasses on the table in front of them. Without thinking about it, Severus wrapped an arm around Harry, bringing him closer. Harry leaned his head on his shoulder. In spite of himself, he enjoyed any time he had with Harry. They sat there a bit before Severus spoke. "As it turns out, I wanted to see you anyway," he said. "I got you something."
"You didn't have to do that," Harry said, looking up at him, but there was a big smile on his face.
"Yes, I am aware," Severus said, getting up from the couch. He heard a slight sound of disappointment from Harry, but he didn't say anything. He walked into his bedroom and got the small box. He took it in the living room and sat back down next to Harry. "Here." He handed it to him. Harry now had an envelope in his hand and handed it to him.
"I hope you like it," Harry said. "You're a difficult person to shop for." The smile had left his face, which Severus found rather odd.
Severus was not offended in the least that it seemed that Harry had gotten him a card. However, that made no sense considering his words. In fact, Harry seemed nervous. He got very still beside him, not as affectionate as he typically was when they were together. He slowly opened it and found that it was indeed a Christmas card. It was a nice card, he supposed, but he was not into such things. However, he noticed that a piece of paper had fallen out. Severus picked it up, and his eyes went wide. It was not a simple piece of paper.
This ticket entitles the holder to one entry to the
50th Annual International Ultimus
Potions Masters Symposium
In Venice, Italy from 21st July - 31st July
Severus stared at the ticket in shock. Harry got him a ticket to the Ultimus Symposium? It was the most elite Potions Symposium in the world, and not just because of the lectures and events that took place there. It was also incredibly expensive, so only the best could afford to come. It was way too expensive for a Christmas present, but Severus couldn't find the words to tell Harry that.
Harry was still looking at him with those beautiful eyes of his eyes, searching his face for a response. "I just couldn't think of what to get you, and I saw an ad for it and-"
Severus turned his towards Harry and captured the young man lips with his own. This effectively shut off Harry's ramblings and worrying. He melted into him, and Severus wrapped an arm around his waist, bringing him close to him. "It's perfect. Thank you," he said, breaking the kiss. A smile broke out on Harry's face. "I have been to other conventions and symposiums, but not that one. I would have never spent the money that it costs to go on myself. While I do not think you should have spent it on me, either, I will gladly accept it." Harry leaned forward, and kissed him. Severus fought the urge to deepen the kiss and push Harry on his back right then and there.
Severus broke the kiss again, earning a moan of disappointment from Harry. "Stop that," he said. "I am surprised that you did not get yourself one."
Harry hesitated for a second, almost nervous before responding. "Well, it's seven months away, and I didn't want to assume," he said, his words flowing out one right after the other. "I mean, I want to come, but I didn't want to just like assume that we would still be together, and -"
Severus cut him off again, silencing him with a kiss. "Your worrying is understandable, but not necessary," Severus said once he had broken it. "I would like you to accompany me. If we are not together at the time, we will deal with that then." The smile that Harry gave him could have melted ice, and the young man kissed him again. Severus truly didn't want to stop, but it was necessary at the moment. They could not go any further. "Now, you haven't opened yours." The potions master wasn't nervous because he knew Harry well enough to know that this was something he not only wanted but needed.
Harry was glad that Severus had enjoyed the present. He had worried that it was too expensive. He hadn't expected the older man to get him anything. He certainly hadn't gotten him something expecting a gift in return. He eagerly opened up the box but froze for a moment in confusion when he saw what was inside. It was a vial. He picked it up and looked at the contents inside. "Some kind of potion?" He said, thinking out loud. He wasn't offended or anything, and he didn't want to seem as such. He just wanted to understand what it was he had been given exactly. As Harry took a closer look, that didn't seem right. He had seen this before, but where?
Then it hit him.
Harry turned to Severus, a look of surprise on his face. "Memories?" Severus nodded. "Of what?"
"Your mother," Severus replied simply, "and you. The memories are both from myself and Madam Pomfrey. I figured that you had both Black and Lupin telling you about Potter, but I doubt that they mentioned Lily very much."
Harry just stared at him for a second, an overwhelming sense of emotion running through him. He hadn't expected anything, but something this thoughtful… It seemed out of character. Harry leaned forward, kissing Severus again. "Thank you," he said. "You have no idea…" Words failed him. Never in a million years would he have expected something like this, but he would treasure it. He was right, of course. They had talked about his dad more, but not his mom.
"Do you wish to see them now or -"
Harry didn't even let him finish. "Yes. Now." Severus nodded, and then helped Harry up. He was lead into the bedroom. The potions master sat Harry down on the bed. There was a large cabinet, with two sections - a top and a bottom. Severus opened up the bottom and revealed the Pensieve. Harry hadn't seen one since the final battle when he'd gone with Severus's memories after thinking the man was dead.
Severus helped Harry up again, keeping a firm arm around him as they entered the Pensieve. The first few memories were quick - they were pre-Hogwarts memories, just of Severus and Lily. It was simple things, like them hanging out while Severus scowled and Lily laughed. Lily joking around with Severus. She was so young happy. The next few memories were of Hogwarts - simple things, like studying, talking, Hogsmeade trips… It didn't seem like much, but every memory Harry cherished. It showed so much of who his mother had been - bright, happy, carefree, caring.
The age skipped in the next memory, and Severus was not in this one. This is after Hogwarts, he thought to himself, after their argument in fifth year. It was Madam Pomfrey's memory then, obviously.
"Well, it's obvious what your symptoms mean, Mrs. Potter," said Madam Pomfrey to Lily. "You're pregnant." Harry wondered why they would have gone to her, but then again, that was obvious. Hadn't he done the same thing?
His mother smiled widely. "James will be thrilled! He's always wanted a child."
The memory faded and turned into a new one.
His mother's belly was bigger in this one, but she still didn't seem too far long. They talked about how she was doing. His mother complained about the pregnancy, and then Madam Pomfrey told him she was having a boy. She stopped complaining, her eyes brimming with tears as the memory faded again.
In the next memory, she was farther along. His father was in this one, and he was holding her hand, smiling as Madam Pomfrey told her that Lily was doing quite well.
The last memory was of his mother, holding him and feeding him, presumably a couple of days after having given birth. Madam Pomfrey was there, checking him over. She told his mother that she was doing fine, and so was the boy. Pomfrey asked about the name, and Lily told her that she and James had decided to name him Harry.
Severus pulled him out. Harry had clung to him the entire time, his strength beginning to fade. He knew there were tears in his eyes, but he didn't care. Severus just held on to him for a moment, before asking him if he had enjoyed the memories. Harry looked up at him, turning his body towards him. He grabbed the front of the potions master's button up shirt and pulled him down into a deep kiss. He felt Severus's arms tighten around him as he deepened the kiss.
Harry broke the kiss after a moment, knowing he would feel that tightening his chest soon. "I loved that more than I can say," Harry said. "I wish I was more eloquent so that I could express it properly, but I can't. That's the best I can do, the kiss, I mean."
"I knew what you meant," Severus said, a smirk crossing his lips, "and yes, I could tell quite clear how you felt." He leaned down, giving Harry another kiss. "I should take you home, though."
Harry leaned against Severus, both because of his failing strength and because he wanted to feel the older man's body up against his own. "I know, but I'm not sure I'm ready to leave yet," he said.
"You can barely stand," Severus said. "Your warden will never forgive me if you pass out because you insisted on coming over here, and I didn't take you home. Besides, I have immense self-control, Harry, but even I have limits."
A blush crossed Harry's face. Yes, it was probably best that they keep things at a minimum while Harry was physically limited. "You're right," he said, "though Hermione is not my warden." She was just his friend, and he didn't really like the insinuation.
"Are you suggesting that she won't yell at me?"
Harry froze for a second and realized that Severus was right. She probably would. "She's still not my warden." In a few moments, they were back at Harry's place, Severus's grip on his waist the only thing keeping him from falling.
Hermione jumped up from the bed since the couch was permanently transfigured while he was on bed rest. "Where have you - oh." Her eyes flicked to Severus, and she crossed her arms over her chest. "Harry, you should have left a note. I came home and was so worried."
"Sorry, Hermione," Harry told her. "It wasn't planned. I just couldn't stay here alone, so I just left." They hadn't finished the bottle of wine, but it was still at Severus's.
"Okay, well, I understand that," she said. She looked between them for a second and started making her way towards her bedroom. "I'll leave you two be." She shot Harry a smile as she walked past them.
Once she was gone, Harry turned so that he was facing Severus. "I had such a great time today; you just don't… I mean, the gift was just… Thank you so much."
"There is no need," Severus said, leaning down and giving Harry another kiss. Harry eagerly kissed him back, but it didn't last nearly as long as he wanted it to.
Harry was led to the bed and helped him on it. It was only then that he realized how truly tired he was. After having spent the past nearly two weeks doing nothing, he had no energy. Luckily, his chest had not hurt at all today, despite the extra activity. That was a good sign, he supposed. Harry pulled Severus down for another kiss.
Severus broke the kiss, and said, "I should go. I am certain that your warden will shoo me out."
Harry rolled his eyes. "She's not my warden," he said, "just a concerned friend."
"I will see you in a couple of days," Severus said. "I had a good time as well." With that, the potions master walked around the bed towards the fireplace and Flooed away. Harry couldn't help but have a smile on his face as Hermione came back in the room.
"So, how did today go?" She asked, joining him on the bed.
Harry smiled, that smile still on his face. "I just can't even… Hermione, he got me memories for Christmas, of my mum, from both him and Pomfrey."
A look of shock crossed Hermione's face. "That's so thoughtful, incredibly thoughtful," she said.
"It is," he agreed. "It was amazing, and he loved the ticket to the Symposium in July. He asked me to go with him."
"That's great," she said, a smile on her face. "So things are going well between you two?"
"Better than expected, actually," Harry said. "I'm not stupid; I know that things won't stay like this. Severus being who he is, we're bound to have a big fight at some point. Today was perfect, though." He couldn't worry about all that right now. He was too elated. Today had been a great Christmas.