Only a few days after the Break had ended, Harry found himself in the dungeons. Outside of their morning walks, he had not really seen Severus since their private New Year's celebration. Word amongst the students was that their return had heralded a return of the Greasy Git of the Dungeons. Out of concern for the Potions Master, Harry made his way to the foreboding office within the bowels of the school. With none of his usual courage, he hesitated before knocking. He had no idea of how he would be received. His few trips down here had always been out of necessity, and he had no real reason for his presence now.

Finally, Harry forced himself to knock. After a long wait that had him shifting nervously on the balls of his feet, he knocked again. Still, no answer came. Resolving himself to knock only once more before giving his pursuit up as hopeless, he rapped his knuckles a little more loudly upon the oaken barrier. Almost before his hand had fallen back to his side, the door swung open on a snarling face that startled him. However, upon realizing who was at his door, Severus relaxed immediately into his usual stoicism that hid a secret depth of emotion for the Gryffindor.

"I'm sorry," Harry said quickly. "I didn't mean…I don't want to interrupt you if you're working. I just came down to check on you."

Severus did not speak or shift. His eyes sparkled with some emotion Harry didn't know. After a long, tense moment, Harry decided he had been foolish to come down. Clearly there was nothing wrong, and his presence was nothing more than a disruption. He stepped back from the door and cast his eyes to their feet.

"I'm sorry," He said again. "Obviously you're fine. I-I'll see you at dinner."

Harry turned to go, mentally kicking himself, only to find his wrist grabbed in a sure grip that pulled him inside the office. The door closed soundly behind him as he was drawn into a passionate kiss. He blushed when Severus pulled away, the arms around his waist unrelenting.

"You were concerned for me?" Severus queried in his dark voice.

Harry nodded. "I was," He admitted bashfully. "I've only seen you at meals, and…well, the students claim that you've been acting like a…well, like a git. I was worried that something had happened."

Severus smirked. "Nothing more than an epidemic of the season," He said softly. "Many of the students have persistent colds that require multiple doses of Pepper-Up, and a few are suffering from Dragon Flu. I have been working diligently on potions for the Infirmary, and seem to suffer from the worst case of 'interruptus' that prevents me doing my work in a timely fashion."

Harry blushed further, pulling away guiltily as he averted his eyes. "I'm sorry…" He murmured.

Gentle fingers on his chin lifted his eyes to the bright, coal gaze. "You, I must discount from this. Your presence is nothing less than a welcome distraction."

"Yes, but I'm still clearly interrupting," Harry argued. "When I knocked-"

"You need not have."

Harry frowned in confusion. "Need not have what?"

"Knocked," Severus said pointedly. "I have told you before, you are always welcome here."

Harry smiled as he was drawn into a fervent kiss that sent his heart skittering in his chest. When they drew apart again, his smile didn't falter.

"I appreciate that you say so," He murmured. "And I may someday soon take you up on that."

"I look forward to the day you do," Severus replied immediately.

Harry pulled slowly out of the embrace. "For now, though, I should probably go. You have work that needs doing, and Master Ailin needs me to finish the Sixth Year marking while she works on her rebuttal to a Slovakian Defense text that's begun circulating. It's shite, and she wants to get ahead of the trend before the commonwealth of Europe begin blowing themselves up."

Thin lips twisted in a half-smile that weakened Harry's knees. They shared another tender kiss before he drew away entirely. With a last look into those impassioned ebony orbs, he pulled away completely and left the dimly lit office.

-Break-

School had resumed as normal, with the students returning to their boisterous selves following a cure of the epidemic. In many cases, the students were even more boisterous than before they had left for the holiday. Harry had become even more grateful for the silent reprieve his mornings, and sometimes late nights in the library, with Severus offered. Unfortunately, and in spite of the clever, romantic New Year's surprise, Harry still found himself questioning what was going on between himself and the Potions Master. They had still yet to go any further than simple heated kisses, and they never spoke of their futures, except in regards to their work.

With a sigh, Harry resolved himself to simply asking. He knew it would break him, if the answers weren't favorable, but the not-knowing was already breaking him as it was.

"Severus?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"Are we…friends?"

A glance revealed a playful smirk on the sallow features. "If you like."

Harry hesitated, drawing a deep breath. "And, are we…are we more?"

Severus paused and Harry turned to face him. Severus tried and failed to hide a half-smile behind their clasped hands as he lifted Harry's knuckles to his lips.

"If you like."

Harry frowned a little angrily. "That's not an answer, Severus."

Severus continued to offer up his half-smile as he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Harry's waist. He sighed, placing a light kiss on Harry's scarred forehead.

"I have lived long enough, Harry," Severus began carefully, looking deeply into Harry's eyes. "To know that I can promise no one eternity. If I thought I could, however, I would promise it to you."

Harry smiled a little ashamedly, hating himself for his doubts. "S'good enough."

"It is disheartening that you think so," Severus told him seriously.

Harry's smile dissolved in confusion. "Why?"

"You should be with someone who can promise you the sun and the moon, Harry."

"What for?" Harry asked, just as serious and slightly offended. "They would only be lying. Besides, I'm more than happy with you."

Severus' half-smile returned, making Harry smile again. "Then I am content, as well."

Harry lifted onto the balls of his feet to plant a soft kiss on the uplifted corner of the Potions Master's lips. "Good, because I'm not going anywhere."

Severus smirked, holding Harry a little tighter. "Promises, promises, Mister Potter."

Harry chuckled lightly as he was drawn into a longer kiss.