A Present for Severus *Sighs*

By BertaS

10/30/2008

Description: Harry gives Severus something he never knew he wanted. No real warnings; slash but nothing graphic.

A/N: This was written as a Christmas present for the Severus *Sighs* Yahoo group. I wrote this before reading the wish list and am happy to be able to give Miss White Cotton what she ask for.

Disclaimer: I only wish they belonged to me. Then I would be rich and famous and could cuddle them whenever I want instead of having to share them with everyone at Severus*Sighs* ;)

A Present for Severus *Sighs*

"Severus, may I speak with you a moment?" Harry called as the man was trying to leave Order Headquarters. The war was over and Voldemort was gone for good, but the house on Grimmauld Place was still a gathering place for those who had survived.

The post war celebrations were merging with the Christmas parties, complete with people being joyous and happy and insisting all those around them be the same. Frankly, Severus Snape was sick of it and just wanted the solitude of his dungeon rooms at Hogwarts.

Severus sneered as he allowed the boy to lead him into a small sitting room. "Make it quick, Potter. I have other things to do."

Harry just smiled, knowing that Severus didn't really have anything to do. He just didn't particularly like happy people or Christmas. "I couldn't help myself when I happened across this, Severus," he held up a small box still smiling, "I had to get it for you."

Severus was shocked to receive a gift from Harry as they had quarreled, again and were currently not seeing each other. They were barely on speaking terms at this point in their relationship and he was unsure how to go about patching things back together as he missed the young man's presence in his life and his bed.

Severus noted that the box was tastefully wrapped in a light green paper and a simple dark green bow. He hesitated, "If this explodes…"

Harry chuckled, "It won't. I promise." He shook his head, "Do you want me to open it for you?"

Snatching the box from the boy's open palm, Severus shredded the paper to reveal a small ring box. He snorted, "Potter, if this is a marriage proposal, your timing leaves much to be desired." Not that he would mind making their relationship a bit more permanent than an occasional night in bed between fights.

Nearly choking to keep from laughing, it had never occurred to him that Severus would think such a thing, not that he didn't wish he had thought of it himself. Harry shook his head smiling wryly, "Just open it." He refrained from adding, 'get'.

When Severus flipped the box open he inhaled sharply and sat heavily on the sofa staring at the small ring with the Prince crest on it. When he finally turned his face back up to the boy there were tears shining in his fathomless back eyes, the only word he managed to say was, "Why?"

Harry sat gently beside him, "Because," he reached out and lifted the ring tilting it so Severus could see the engraving on the interior of the band, "It has your name on it." He had not intended to hurt or upset the man.

Severus shook his head snarling, "That is impossible."

Frowning Harry ask Severus the same question he had just ask, "Why?"

Standing and pacing in front of the sofa Severus growled, "Because Potter, my mother was disowned for marring my father. The marriage was never validated by my grandfather, the head of her family." He whirled back toward the young man sneering. "And in case you are too stupid to understand, that means every time you and your little friends have called me a bastard, you were technically correct." He started for the door only to have Harry grab his arm.

"Severus," he held the ring out and begged, "Please just… won't you try it on?"

Sneering but unable to deny the boy anything he truly wanted, Severus grabbed the ring and jammed it on his right ring finger. He fully expected it to reject him, violently, but was amazed to feel a wave of welcoming warmth spread throughout his body. When he looked back at his hand, the ring had changed from a child's heir ring to a much more intricate man's Head of Family ring; much like the one Harry was wearing.

Harry raised his hand and gently wiped away the single tear that was making its way down the Potions Master's face. He then leaned up and kissed the damp cheek.

"Happy Christmas, Severus."

And,

Happy Christmas to all of you,

BertaS