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A few days later, there was a knock on Severus's classroom door. It was lunchtime and he was grading papers. He was hungry but he could wait until dinner to eat. "Enter," Severus called.
Harry pushed open the door, a tray of food in his hands. "Hi," he said. "I brought you lunch."
Severus stared. No one had ever brought him lunch before. "Thank you, Potter," he said. "You may leave it on my desk."
Harry blushed. "I was actually wondering if I could eat with you." He approached Severus's desk and the Potions Master saw that he was carrying two plates.
"You wouldn't rather eat with your friends?" Severus asked, taking one of the plates.
"I find you far more interesting." Harry grinned at him, and Severus felt his cheeks grow warm. "Besides, Ron and Hermione are being particularly mushy today and I felt like a third wheel."
Severus couldn't help laughing, and he looked into Harry's bright green eyes. The younger man was on the other side of Severus's desk now, and Severus was standing, Harry's body sandwiched between Severus and the desk. Severus kissed him and felt Harry lean into it, tangling his fingers in Severus's hair and stroking gently. Severus moaned into Harry's mouth as the younger man's tongue licked his own-
"Severus?"
The Potions Master blinked. He was still staring at Harry, who was looking at him in confusion. "Yes?"
"You went somewhere else just now, didn't you?" Harry asked, his tone hopeful.
"No," Severus said, and it wasn't a lie. "Believe me, I was right here."
"So, I was thinking..." Harry bit his lip, and the older man couldn't help thinking it was adorable. No, Severus! Friends, he scolded himself. "I was wondering if you would like to come to my rooms tonight? I mean, to play chess," Harry added quickly, his cheeks reddening, "And I could make tea, if you'd like."
"Perhaps something stronger than tea, if you've got it," Severus suggested. "But yes, chess sounds lovely."
Harry brightened, and the Potions Master's heart fluttered. "Alright, great," he said, and smiled at Severus, who wondered what he had done to deserve someone as wonderful as Harry.
"Your rooms are nice," Severus commented later that night as Harry let him in.
"I'm glad you think so," Harry said. After all, Severus would hopefully be spending a lot of time with Harry in these rooms. Harry wanted to make sure Severus was comfortable around him. "Would you like some wine?"
"Indeed," Severus said, and followed him to the kitchen, where Harry pulled out a bottle of red wine from the fridge. He poured them each a glass, and Severus held up his glass to Harry's. "To friendship."
Harry smiled. "To friendship," he agreed, and clinked his glass against Severus. They took a long drink and then went into the sitting room. The chess board was set up on the coffee table and they sat on the floor across from each other. "I've gotten better since we last played," Harry informed Severus. "I played with the Weasleys all summer. Prepare to be beaten."
"It's not going to be that easy, Potter," Severus said, smirking. "And no cheating this time."
"Hey, I never cheated!"
"I thought Gryffindors were supposed to be honest," Severus teased, and Harry rolled his eyes at him. "Let me guess, the Weasley twins taught you cheating techniques?"
"You can't prove anything," Harry said, and now it was Severus's turn to roll his eyes. But indeed, Fred and George had given him some useful tips.
Harry and Severus had a wonderful evening. Harry beat Severus on the second game without cheating once. They had more wine, and as it got later in the evening, Harry thought perhaps he'd given Severus too much wine. When Severus stood up, he almost fell over and Harry managed to catch him. The Potions Master's body rested against his and Harry gasped, his heart racing. "I think you should sit down," Harry said, leading Severus over to the couch.
But Severus pulled Harry down onto his lap, causing the younger man's heart to skip a beat. "Harry," he slurred. "I shouldn't have turned you down."
Harry stared. He wasn't sure if Severus actually meant it, or if he was saying that because he was drunk. But either way, as much as Harry wanted Severus, he would never take advantage of him. "I can't do this now, Severus."
"I thought you loved me." Severus stared at him accusingly, and Harry was surprised to see hurt in his gorgeous onyx eyes.
"I do love you, Severus. And that's why I'm saying no. If you still want me when you're sober, then we can talk. Otherwise, just forget about it." Harry's tone sounded more bitter than he had intended. "It's late...I should go to sleep. Will you be able to find your quarters on your own?"
Severus looked disappointed, like he hadn't expected Harry to turn him down, and this annoyed Harry even though he kwnew Severus was drunk. "I believe so," he said, and there was still a slight slur to his voice. He stood, and without another word to Harry, left his rooms.
After Severus had left, Harry felt a pang. This wasn't how he wanted their evening to end at all. But he wondered why Severus had tried to make a move on him. Was it just because of the alcohol or did Severus truly still have feelings for Harry? One thing Harry knew for certain was that he wouldn't get any answers tonight. He'd have to ask Severus tomorrow, when the alcohol wasn't influencing the Potions Master's thought processes and decision making. Harry thought of the overwhelming desire he'd felt when Severus had pulled him down onto his lap, the daydreams he'd had, and figured he'd had a bit too much to drink as well. And now he felt a headache coming on. Great.
Sighing, Harry tried to ignore the throbbing in his head as he prepared to go to sleep. Once he was in bed, he felt another pang of regret. He knew he'd made the right choice by making Severus leave, but he thought of what would be happening right now if he'd let Severus stay. He thought of the Potions Master's body pressed against his own in bed, and his heart raced.
Harry knew he had to find out Severus's true feelings for him. He was determined to do so, for both their sales. If Severus truly didn't have feelings for him, Harry would leave him alone. The thought depressed him, but it would be better than not knowing.
Harry knew he needed some help in order to know for sure.