"I want to be here. I do," he whispered into the pale flesh. "But I can't. Hermione is nagging me. I'll see you when I can. I promise."
With one last kiss, he gathered his things and left.
Chapter 25
It was another two weeks before they saw each other in a more intimate way again.
Severus' only comforting thought for a while was that the three banes of his existence were actually busy with their academic workload and so had no time to prank anyone. He was thankful for the quiet period.
The Saturday of the week after they parted, he was able to send Harry an owl, requesting his company. Unfortunately, his reply was in the negative.
Sorry, Sev,
I can't come over. Maybe tomorrow.
Harry.
And that was it; his rejection. No 'love, Harry' or hugs and kisses at the end (not that he expected or wanted any!)
He knew the workload put on Sixth Years, being groomed for Seventh Year and NEWTs. But he still missed spending time with Harry. And the sex; he really missed that, too.
It's been a week and I'm already pining for the annoying nuisance. He scolded himself, knowing he needed to man-up and wait until Harry was free. I have papers to grade and lessons to plan. I can keep busy until it's all over…
X
"Hermione! You're killing me! It's been two weeks! Why can't I go see him? We've practically finished all our homework!" Harry was getting a little desperate. He'd rejected Severus' invitation the week before because Hermione had advised a 'cooling off' period. He didn't think they needed two weeks.
"Be quiet and sit down. You're drawing attention to yourself! Don't you dare get me thrown out of the library!" He sat, sulking and holding a throw pillow to his chest.
"But… come on! I want to see him!" He knew he was being petulant, but he didn't care. He'd made up with Severus – twice – and now he wanted to pet him and cuddle him and snuggle – wait. No. She's right. I definitely need some time to cool off. What's gotten into me?
"Harry, you've been acting strangely for the past week or so. Are you feeling alright?" she looked concerned, placing a hand on his forehead. "You don't have a temperature…" she eyed him shrewdly. "Have you been drinking with Seamus?"
"What? No!" Seamus has alcohol? Hmmm…
"Don't even think about it!" His thoughtfulness must have shown on his face. "Harry, what's going on?"
"Nothing. I just… miss him," he pouted, cuddling the pillow to his chest again.
"I see." She watched him through narrowed eyes. "Get your Transfiguration essay done and you can go."
With a groan, he pulled his study materials closer and began to write out "Why students should never attempt Animagi transformations without an expert at hand and what three possible consequences may be." She totally had me in mind when she came up with this, he thought gloomily, curling over his pillow.
"Where'd you get a throw pillow, anyway?" Hermione asked, not looking up from her Ancient Runes textbook.
"Transfigured a spare quill," he mumbled.
"I see." She peered over her book, watching him from a moment. He glared back at her.
"What?" He received no reply. She simply returned her focus to her book and smiled suspiciously.
X
If he were a lesser man, Severus would have cackled with glee as he completed another batch of his latest potion: Affection brew: hormones in a bottle. He scooped some into a vial and headed towards the kitchens.
"Mr Potter's health supplement," he drawled, handing the vial to Dobby.
"Professor Snape sir takes good care of Master Harry Potter!" trilled the Elf, taking the vial and lacing Potter's 'special cup' with the contents.
For six days, Severus had been brewing his special 'health supplement' and asking Dobby to lace Potter's goblet at every meal.
The potion was a mild mixture of pixie oestrogen and a very weak love potion. The effect was hilarious! It made the subject extremely affectionate, needing to be close to their friends and family.
So far, Harry had started carrying a cushion everywhere he went and cuddling it to himself when he could. Severus had seen the boy holding it at dinner the previous evening, as well as in the library that day. Soon, the brat would be clinging to his friends and knitting sockies for cats. He almost giggled when he thought of Harry Potter knitting fuzzy little socks for Mrs Norris. At least I'm keeping busy, he mused, walking to the Hall with a spring in his step.
X
Harry moaned, downing his pumpkin juice in one go.
"This juice is… delicious!" he exclaimed, downing another lot.
"Harry," Hermione sounded amused, but somewhat annoyed. "You've been acting quite peculiarly… do you feel ok?"
"Never better," he chirped, loading his plate with food.
"You seem to be rather… cheerful, all of a sudden. You were pining away just before."
"I'm just happy to be sharing such wonderful food with my best friends!" he said, wrapping an arm around her, pulling her into a hug.
"Oi!" Ron yelped, swinging his legs to the side. "What the hell!"
Harry looked sheepish, reaching a hand over to Ron, clasping the redhead's fist holding a fork.
"I just want to be close to you, Won-won," he smiled, eyes twinkling.
Ron's face went bright red; his mouth hung open in shock and embarrassment. Hermione giggled.
"Were you playing footsie with my boyfriend, Mr Potter?"
"No. I was running my foot up his leg," he said, matter-of-factly. Hermione laughed, grabbing his goblet and sniffed the contents.
"Harry, this doesn't smell like pumpkin juice. It smells sweeter. Try mine," she handed him her goblet.
"Ugh. My juice is way better."
"I think someone's been tampering with your juice, mate," said Ron, pulling his hand from Harry's grip.
"Yes… I wonder who it could be…" said Hermione, smirking. Harry followed her gaze to the Head Table.
"Snape!" he growled, seeing his lover smirking, eyes alight with humour. "That git!" He hid his face in his hands, realising why he'd been feeling so emotional. The bastard put a potion in my juice!
X
Severus could barely contain his grin. He'd been caught.
Damn, no booties for Mrs Norris… he sipped his tea and excused himself. He couldn't hold in his glee much longer.
So elated was he, that he didn't notice a certain Gryffindor trailing him to the dungeons.
XXX
A/N: Just a fun little chapter in celebration of the amazing response the last posts received. Thank you all for letting me know you're still willing to read! I hope you liked this chapter. :D