CHAPTER 20

A/N: Dear all, thanks again for your "who will be dominant/submissive" answers. You'll see how I handle this interesting situation :-) This is an extra-long chapter – what I call a marathon chapter. There is not much Snape in the first part, but a lot more in the second. However, please don't scroll down to the second half at once!!!

To my very special friend Esthi: Your reviews via SMS and our live-convos (Aroma, hallowed corridors of the Kollegienhaus etc.) are spurring me on to write chapter after chapter – I can't unglue myself from my notebook and computer anymore :-D Thanks a million for all your input, Miss Amitié!

koredik: Harry is rather forgiving towards Snape. But then, he's feeling really attracted to him. In this chapter, you will see whether Snape is indeed such a cold-hearted guy who takes Harry's forgiveness for granted. After all, they both like challenges to a certain extent.

Microfatcat: the doors of the Hogwarts entrance are closed when the students nip round for breakfast, and none of the students bother to go out before eating, especially during the cold season. Now, we don't know (and that includes me…) how much Dumbledore knows, of course :-D

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The hall was filling with students, and it was time for owl-post. To Harry's apprehension, several owls clutching ominous red envelopes were delivered to Harry. Dumbledore's smile was replaced by a worried expression. Harry tentatively opened one of the Howlers and was greeted by a screaming voice which yelled out that he was a sick pervert and that people like him were a threat to the wizarding world.

Harry was sitting in stunned silence when the next Howler went off, calling him cruel names and insulting his "deviant orientation".

Students and teachers were staring. Harry felt sick to his stomach. Dumbledore quickly seized the remaining envelopes and threw them into the fire crackling behind the staff table. There was a horrible silence in the Hall. Harry got up and left quickly, walking jerkily towards his quarters on the second floor. Tears obscured his view. He swiped his sleeve across his face. With trembling hands, he grabbed some Floo powder to contact Hermione; she was back from Switzerland and had been delighted that he had enjoyed her gifts. He hadn't dared tell her about the cheese fondue or about Snape decapitating her cuckoo clock. In fact, he hadn't told her about Snape and his, Harry's, attraction towards him at all. Hermione had sent him a very strict letter after his quarrel with Snape, but he had managed to pacify her, and after his public apology, she had been completely mollified. Ron, on the other hand, had found the whole thing very amusing. Lupin and Mrs Weasley, on the other hand, had rather agreed with Hermione.

Harry was fortunate: Hermione was at home at the wizarding flat she shared with Ron in London. She nearly knocked over her chair when she saw Harry's head in the fire.

"Harry!" She rushed towards him and dropped onto her knees. "Oh, Harry, I read that awful article in the Prophet, I am so sorry. Ron is mad – he's writing a letter to the editor right now and I'll be completing it with him."

"Snape outed me, Hermione," Harry said, trying not to cry. "He did it yesterday – out of jealously, I think. He told me that he thinks everything falls into my lap. We've got such a roller coaster relationship…"

Everything spilt out of him, including the almost-kiss not so long ago. He excluded the cheese fondue, the Basle Cookies and the clock, of course, out of consideration for Hermione's feelings.

"I wish I could hug you, Harry…Look…Can I Floo into your rooms at around six o'clock this evening? I should have time off by then."

Harry nodded eagerly.

"Six o'clock will be fine, and the Floo Network is no longer monitored."

"Not since that Umbridge toad left," Hermione said with a glint in her eye.

"Give Ron a hug and a big thank you from me," Harry said. "I'm so glad you guys accept me the way I am."

"Harry, you silly, we're your friends. I'll see you later."

Harry pulled his head out of the fire. He felt better. Just then, Snape's owl Alexander settled down next to him, hooting softly. Harry decided not to say anything in case he put it out of temper again. The bird was probably as choleric as its master. He opened the note Alexander was carrying.

Please be at Enchantments at eight o'clock sharp tonight. You will find me in the main hall.

Severus Snape

Harry frowned, then shrugged. At least Snape hadn't chosen six o'clock, when he would see Hermione.

He wrote back an answer in the affirmative and fastened it onto Alexander's leg.

Teaching was difficult that day. The students looked oddly at him. Harry thought he saw disgust written in a few faces. Was there a world without homophobia? he reflected sadly. There were other faces, however, which expressed compassion and understanding; and Harry felt sure that it was thanks to these last that he saw several torn scraps of the article in various wastepaper baskets during the day. He crossed Albus Dumbledore for lunch. The older man put his hand gently on Harry's shoulder, looking into his face.

"Don't worry, my boy. You'll fight your way through this mess as well. You have many friends who accept you the way you are."

He squeezed Harry's shoulder, smiled and left.

Snape didn't turn up in Harry's range of view at all.

Harry had put out a tea set and biscuits and was pacing up and down in front of his fire when Hermione arrived punctually at six. She wasn't alone. Ron had accompanied her as well. Harry, touched, went up to them. They both pulled him into a hug.

"Hey, mate. Life's a bit rocky for you, isn't it?" Ron said, ruffling Harry's hair in a brotherly way.

"Yeah. It sucks."

"Harry! Now I can hug you," Hermione said, cuddling him.

"Great rooms, Harry! Wow! What a cool desk! Sheesh! And this…"

Harry could finally grin while Ron inspected his quarters. Hermione nodded with approval.

"Wonderful," she commented, "but a bit untidy."

She smiled at Harry and led him by the hand to a chair. Ron joined them.

"So, Harry. I sent a massive Howler to the Prophet. Nor am I the only one. Lupin says he's sending one too."

"Lupin? But…he's usually so quiet and reasonable…"

"How can one be reasonable and quiet around you, Harry?" Hermione laughed.

"And the rest of my family is also mad about that article. Ginny has enclosed a Bat-Bogey hex with her Howler. Fred and George's contribution is going to be explosive. See, mate, we guys don't give a damn about your orientation. Though I wouldn't be too pleased if you hooked up with one of those spiders in the Forbidden Forest…Oh, and 'Mione told me this morning that you've got the hots for Snape, of all people."

Hermione rolled her eyes and Harry flushed.

"Well…uh…Yeah. I know how incredible it sounds. He tortured all of us, and he's still short-tempered, but he's changed in other ways…I just can't explain it."

"Yes, aren't you two kind of dating?" Ron inquired.

"Ron!" Hermione pinched her boyfriend's arm.

"Ouch!"

"Yes…No…I'm not quite sure. He's so…cryptic."

"There's nothing cryptic about it at all. Look, if he nearly snogged you-"

"Hermione, I think you really gave him all the details."

Hermione chuckled.

"-and I shudder at the mere notion of you and that greasy idiot in something even remotely resembling a lip lock-"

"RON!" Hermione bellowed, digging her elbow into Ron's ribs.

"His hair is really nice now," Harry chimed in, and reddened again as his friends looked at him.

The trio discussed homosexuality in the wizarding world. Hermione had brought a stack of books along with her on the subject. Harry was sure that not even the expansive library in Enchantments had half of them. Ron told him about several people who were gay, including some of the classmates they had known.

"It's just that people are too stupid to realise in how many varieties things like love and sexuality come," Hermione said, eating a biscuit and sharing it with Ron.

"That greasy – sorry, Snape has invited you to the bar tonight. Seduce him in the bathroom," Ron suggested. Hermione glared at him.

"It doesn't always have to be about that, Ron," she said crossly.

"Hey, I was kidding. Just flirt a bit with him. Wear something tight."

"Something…tight?"

"You know, Harry, it wouldn't hurt," Hermione agreed. Harry stared her, open-mouthed.

"You're a bit shy sometimes. You need to get out of yourself a bit."

"Hey, ask Snape for piano lessons," Ron joked.

"Snape is rather protective about his piano," Harry said delicately.

The three discussed impossible flirting strategies, resulting in a lot of laughter.

"But I don't get it, Harry. Snape sort of nearly kisses you, outs you, and then hits on you again. That's just too odd. He may be playing with you. After what you told us about that Lucifer fellow…"

"I shouldn't have spied on him. It's so hard to trust him and yet…"

"It seems quite logical what's going on with Snape," Hermione said brightly. "Considering the stormy past he has had with Harry and with Harry's father, Sirius and Lupin…It's not surprising that he's swaying, isn't it? He regards Harry as the son of his enemy. And on the other hand he seems attracted to you, Harry."

"For such a logical man he acts really illogically."

"Logic is hard to find in any world," Hermione pointed out with a smile.

"Make sure you include an interview when an article on you and Snape shacking up appears in a few months' time," Ron added.

"Centuries is more likely," Harry said with a small smile.

"If Ron and I made it, then so will you and Snape," Hermione said sweetly, earning a scowl from Ron. "Oh, and don't be too lenient with him, Harry. I'm certain Snape enjoys scathing verbal battles as a courting strategy. So whet your tongue."

"Not only for verbal stuff," Ron murmured. Hermione cuffed him lightly on the head.

Harry thanked his friends warmly and was sorry to see them go. He promised to contact them if he felt unhappy again and was told to reserve Christmas for festive activities at The Burrow. When they departed, Harry immediately leafed through the books Hermione had given them and was soon deeply engrossed in a tome until the cuckoo clock in the kitchen reminded him that it was seven-fifteen and that he had to dress quickly if he didn't want to be late.

Ron had recommended wearing something tight. Harry rummaged around his wardrobe and extracted a pair of black trousers and a crisp white shirt. He put on the clothes and scanned himself critically in his full-length cupboard mirror. He left the first two buttons of the shirt undone.

"Dear, are you in a seductive mood today?" the mirror asked him. Harry was too embarrassed to answer. He fled to the bathroom with a tube of magical gel and, with the help of the loquacious mirror over there, made the best of his unruly hair. He decided to keep the earring since Snape obviously appreciated it. A shiver ran down his spine at the thought.

"Stop thinking of that man," he muttered to himself.

He flung on another cloak – a thick one for especially cold weather – slipped into a pair of fashionable black boots and left his quarters, warding them securely.

He was at the bar at five to eight. He stowed his stuff away in his locker. He caught sight of Madleina, who was wearing bright red robes and strappy black heels.

"Ah! Harry! A table has been reserved for you in the main hall – you're at the very front for this evening's show. Drinks are free tonight."

"Show?" Harry asked as he followed the witch.

"You'll see."

She led him into the hall. It was very full, and there was one empty table in front.

"There you go. List of beverages is on the table. Enjoy yourself," Madleina beamed and clicked her way to the stage, which was dark.

Intrigued, Harry looked around to see if he knew anyone. To his displeasure, he caught sight of Lucifer, who was wearing a see-through blue shirt and leather trousers.

Harry glanced at the menu of beverages.

"Still water," he said aloud. A glass of water appeared in front of him. He sipped at it and checked his watch. It was eight. Right on cue, the stage became suffused with warm yellow light. There was a piano on the stage; and sitting at the piano in robes of velvety black was-

"Tonight, Mr Severus Snape will be playing the first movement of the 'Moonlight Sonata' by Ludwig van Beethoven," Madleina announced.

It was the piece of music which had moved him so much, the one Snape had played after the tuning of the piano. Harry's heart started to race.

The piano and Snape's seat were positioned in such a way that he was looking directly at the crowd. His head was slightly inclined as he looked down at the keys. Multi-coloured music bars with the first few notes of the melody floated around the hall and faded away. The hall was utterly silent. Then Snape started to play. Harry listened with amazement. It seemed to him that whatever feelings Snape hid behind his enigmatic façade were expressed in the sombre melancholic tunes his fingers coaxed forth from the piano. Sorrow, regret and pain filled the hall with unspeakable beauty. The music was quiet; yet it conveyed as much passion, if not more, than a loud brazen tune would have done. Snape's head remained bowed, his sleek black hair caressing his slim neck and shoulders. Harry sensed emotion and sensuality radiating from him. Towards the end of the music, Snape raised his eyes and looked straight into Harry's. The gaze, although covering a large distance, was strangely intimate, making Harry think of that almost-kiss during the sunrise, of those lips caressing his ever so lightly, as lightly as Snape's fingers were caressing the piano keys…And then it was over. Silence…followed by deafening applause. Chairs were pushed back as people got to their feet to give Snape a standing ovation. Harry, standing right in front, whistled loudly and cheered. People near him did the same. Others were wiping tears from their faces, and Harry became aware of his moist cheeks. He wiped them with his palm and continued clapping. Snape rose from the stool and bowed gracefully. The crowd broke out into hoots and began to throw things onto the stage. Harry half wished he had something to fling onto the stage as well.

"NOW, WASN'T THAT BRILLIANT?" Madleina yelled. Screams of agreement erupted in the hall.

"PEOPLE WHO WANT AN AUTOGRAPH FROM MR SNAPE – PLEASE QUEUE UP NOW! HELP YOURSELVES TO PARCHMENTS ON THE WAY!"

Without knowing how he did it, Harry abandoned his table, making a beeline for the stage, standing behind a line of enthusiastic people. He picked up a piece of parchment from a row of tables next to him.
At last, it was his turn.

He approached Snape, who was armed with a handsome black quill.

"Ah. Potter."

"Severus, that was amazing," he said softly. "Thanks for your note."

Snape looked at him expressionlessly for a few moments before smiling. It was a smile untouched by his usual bitterness.

"Infuriating as you are, Potter, I am beginning to value your comments."

Harry grinned sunnily and stuck out his parchment.

"May I please have your autograph?"

"My, my! Inverted roles," Snape murmured, signing Harry's parchment.

"Thanks, Severus."

"Don't leave as yet, Potter. Please wait for me until I have finished with this tiring business. I must say that is rather difficult being a star. It gives one cramps."

Their eyes locked for a moment before Harry returned to his table with a smile.

After the autographs had been distributed, Snape went up to Harry.

Harry blushed and tried not to tremble from head to foot now that he had Snape all to himself.

Snape's eyes glided languidly over him, taking in his trousers, shirt and gelled hair.

"You play very beautifully. When did you start with the piano?" Harry asked him.

"After leaving Hogwarts. I took a few lessons, and after that I taught myself by practicing regularly. Unfortunately, when my life took a turn for the worse, I didn't have much time left for the piano. When…Voldemort…disappeared, I was very pleased to devote more time to music."

"You said his name," Harry smiled, impressed. Snape shrugged.

"Let's have a drink in the bar. It's my turn," Harry said.

They were drinking their usual Butterbeer when Harry was approached by a handsome wizard with black hair reaching till his chin. He was not unlike Snape in height and figure.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked.

"Do you mind?" Harry said to Snape.

"Go ahead with your teenage antics," Snape said coolly. The wizard smiled and took Harry's hand, guiding him onto the dance floor.

"You're Harry Potter, aren't you? Saw your picture that day in the Prophet. I'm Kim, by the way."

A slow song with a good beat was playing. Kim danced close to Harry, staring into his face. Harry, embarrassed, looked down at their feet.

"No, no, you've got to look up…Like this."

He pulled Harry closer.

"Yeah, that's the way to go," Kim said, smiling.

"Thanks for showing me. I'm a beginner," Harry admitted.

Snape watched them with narrowed eyes, his hand holding his glass rather tightly.

"No problem. Is that your boyfriend over there? The one who played the piano?"

"Snape? Erm…He's actually my fellow-teacher…We both teach at Hogwarts…And, uh…"

"Sorry, don't want to be nosy; but is something going on between you two? I wouldn't want to, you know…intervene," Kim said. Harry was happy that he was so honest.

"I don't really know. I quite like him, actually," he admitted in a low voice.

"Quite like him? To judge from your face, it's more than that. You know…he seems to be the reclusive type to me."

Kim winked and released Harry as the song ended.

Harry returned, grinning. Snape glared at him.

"Enjoyed your dance, Potter?" he nearly spat.

"Well, it was quite nice," Harry said.

"I see."

The comfortable atmosphere between them was suddenly broken. Then it clicked in Harry's mind. But surely…Could it be? Was Snape annoyed because he had danced with another wizard? Surely not…?

Snape glanced pointedly at his watch.

"I suppose-"

"Would you like to dance?" Harry asked.

Snape actually blinked.

"Did you just ask me to dance, Potter?"

"Uh, I know that my dancing skills are not exactly good, especially after the Yule Ball-"

Snape got up and came round to Harry.

"I'll teach you. You have to be taught everything, you greenhorn. Come on."

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