Halloween Prompt - Scream

Resignation

Screams rent the air, and Harry sighed, pulling his wand out. Stupid bloody idiots. Couldn't they have attacked before it was home time? Rolling his eyes, he cast a quick fully body shield before stepping out into the fracas, hopeful that it wouldn't take too long. Severus would be frantic if he heard the news.

"... And news just in of a riot in Diagon Alley. The Aurors are apparently already on scene and getting it under control but it has been asked that nobody attempt to get to the Alley for the rest of the day."

Severus stared at the wireless for a moment, closing his eyes. Stupid fools. Wasn't it time for them to leave well enough alone? A familiar fear filled him as he cast a statis charm on the potion he was working on and moved to the chair by the fire to wait for news from Harry.

Maybe this would be the thing that convinced his husband to finally retire from the Aurors.

Tired, irritated and hungry, Harry watched the criminals they'd caught in Diagon Alley on the Camera-Eye charms set up on the holding cells. He'd only just returned from Diagon Alley, and already he wanted to go home. As Head Auror, it was up to him to see the interviews through, and he was looking at a long night.

Maybe Severus was right in his thoughts that it was time to think about retirement.

Calling Prongs to his side, Harry relayed a message for his husband and watched the Patronus go. With a final sigh, and a snapped order for one of the trainee's to fetch sustenance for the team, Harry called for the first interview to begin.

Severus sighed with relief when Prongs appeared in the living room. "I'm sure you heard about the riot, but I'm fine. A singed robe and a cut on my arm are all the injuries sustained. Interviews to do now, I'll be home... later. Don't wait up. Love you."

Shaking his head, Severus watched Prongs dissipate and returned to his potion. Merlin only knew what kind of mood Harry would be in when he finally got home.

Quiet as he could, Harry climbed into bed, smiling tiredly when Severus turned over to face him, sleep still clouding his eyes.

"Go back to sleep, Sev. Love you."

"I love you too. We'll talk in the morning?"

Harry nodded, settling himself against Severus' chest. "There's a letter for you on your desk when you wake. Looks important."

Severus didn't answer, apparently already back in the land of the sandman. It didn't take longer than five minutes for Harry to follow him there.

Severus read the letter twice, letting the words sink in. He walked back into the bedroom where Harry was still sleeping, and crawled back into bed, waking his husband with a kiss.

"You read it then?" Harry asked, raising a clumsy hand to rest on Severus' cheek.

"Thank you."

The letter of resignation lay innocently on Severus' desk for the remainder of the morning, while Severus showed Harry his gratitude in every way he could think of.