Remember and Mend
One Month Later
After triple the amount of time it usually took him to prepare ingredients, Severus was ready. Thankfully, although his muscle memory was compromised, he found, to his amazement and relief, that Ronald's brainpower was more than adequate and had managed to piece together this novel potion in only a few weeks.
Now, on the cusp of brewing, there was no room for wandering, tempting thoughts.
Every night since the war ended, Severus had dedicated himself to his mental Occlumency exercises, gradually improving. Feeling more like his old self than he had in a long time, he felt fully prepared for the challenging three hours that lay ahead.
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather visit with Ronald in the kitchens?" he asked Harry, who was lounging on a nearby armchair with a book, like a Kneazle that could read.
"No," Harry said emphatically, "I enjoy watching you work." A lovely colour spread high on his cheekbones. "And, er, I promised Hermione to look out for…erm, you."
Severus sighed. "Very well," he said, not commenting on Harry's awkward behaviour, although he dearly wanted to. "You know I am more than capable of performing this task? I'm not going to suddenly collapse from fatigue."
Harry smiled at him warmly. "I know, Severus. But we can't help but worry."
He offered a slight nod, appreciating the concern despite his misgivings.
Focusing himself, then casting a spell to light the fire beneath his cauldron, Severus began.
As he added ingredients, evaluated, and stirred, he had the passing thought that working in Ronald's body still made him feel like he was wearing a set of robes that didn't quite fit. Yet, the brew changed colours as expected from a deep, sapphire blue to a rich, emerald green and then to a vibrant, golden yellow.
For the last step, Severus sprinkled two pinches of ground Talonspike into the bubbling liquid and gave it precisely six and two-thirds clockwise stirs before extinguishing the flame to let the finished potion cool.
Severus knew now would be the most opportune time to discuss what was eating away at him. He coughed lightly, then casually said, "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Miss Weasley earlier today."
"Oh?" uttered Harry, trying for nonchalance, but his flushing face gave him away.
"So…you fancy me?" asked Severus as he slowly drew closer.
Harry's mouth parted in shock, but he straightened his shoulders a moment later and boldly stated, "Yes, I do."
Severus continued reducing the distance between them until he stood directly over Harry's sitting form.
"You know, it's not proper, considering," Severus said softly.
Breaking eye contact, Harry murmured, "I know."
"Are you sure it's me you want and not him?"
In a burst of indignation, Harry leapt to his feet. "I know what I want," he asserted, eyes blazing with attraction and determination.
"Are you absolutely certain?" Severus asked. "After consuming this potion, my appearance will revert;"—pausing, he lifted his brow in contemplation—"however, technically, I shall still carry Weasley blood and always will. A fact that would certainly come to light should I ever father a—"
Before he could finish his thought, Harry wrapped his arms around him and moved his face a scant inch away from Severus'.
As Severus gazed into Harry's fully dilated eyes, he felt his heartbeat take flight like a wild, rapacious dragon. The heat of Harry's touch sent pleasurable shivers throughout his body. Fighting his desire, he raised his hands and firmly grasped Harry's biceps.
"I know what I want," repeated Harry, waiting for Severus to state or show his disapproval.
Another breath passed between them, inhaling and exhaling, tickling the other's lips. Then, in perfect unison, they drew together for a tentative kiss.
Harry's soft mouth felt divine, and just as Severus was about to delve deeper for a taste, a knock on the door interrupted them.
They had both forgotten.
Hurriedly tidying their appearance, they stepped apart.
Severus waved his wand at the entrance to unlock it, then cleared his throat and relaxed his expression. "Enter."
The heavy door to his private laboratory opened to reveal the Weasley family and Hermione clustered around the entrance like a curious scurry of squirrels.
In a steady line, they entered, starting with Arthur, who examined the shelves and cabinets organised with books and potion supplies, the classical artwork on the walls, and the windows with an underwater view of the lake.
"Never been this deep in snake territory before," William commented with a roguish smirk, his fang earring swinging.
"Better watch your step, then," Severus remarked with a sly grin. "Many a Gryffindor has found themselves lost in the labyrinth that is the dungeons."
Shaking his head in amusement, Harry said, "Thanks for stopping by, everyone."
"Of course, Harry, dear," Molly said. She turned to Severus. "How are you faring, Severus?" She frowned, her gaze going back and forth between him and Harry. "Are you boys alright? I know you were feeling fatigued earlier today, and now you both seem flushed."
Harry tittered nervously while Severus cursed her acute sense of observation.
Perhaps the war effort would have been more successful if Dumbledore had orchestrated her as a spy rather than me, Severus thought.
"We are fine, Molly," he said, giving her a reassuring smile.
Before Severus could say anything more, Arthur swept him up in a tight hug, simply holding him.
With Arthur's emotional gesture, everyone's expressions shifted to one of solemn resignation.
Immediately after Arthur stepped away, Molly enveloped him in her arms. Severus' eyes began to burn as she lovingly combed her fingers through his hair and said, "No matter what, you're always welcome home." She cupped his face in her hands. "So I expect to see you for dinner later tonight."
He smiled warmly and nodded.
One by one, they continued to offer him an embrace, fully aware of his past as a Death Eater and Dumbledore's killer. Severus sensed that their affection was genuine towards him as an individual, yet he also recognised that part of their warmth stemmed from seeing the familiar face of their loved one. This was their final opportunity to say goodbye to the Ronald they remembered, warm and breathing, a fact Severus accepted with a heavy heart.
"Severus," George said, stepping back from their hug, "if you're up for it, mate, I'd love to have your expertise at the shop full-time. Just think of the trouble we could create."
"I would first need to gift Professor McGonagall a large bottle of Ogdens Old Firewhisky," Severus said after a moment of thought, "but your offer does intrigue me."
The corner of George's mouth rose in a crooked, closed-mouth grin, the faintest glimmer of joy in his eyes. "Excellent. We'll talk more about it later tonight."
"Agreed," said Severus with a nod, feeling a tentative sense of excitement.
However, the moment was short-lived. From across the room, Miss Weasley stomped towards him, her glare burning Severus' skin from where he stood.
Once she reached him, she didn't offer a hug as the others had. Instead, Miss Weasley bent forward and whispered, "If you hurt him,"—she glanced at Harry and back—"I will end you."
He smiled, not mockingly but rather affectionately. She truly was in love with Harry, and Severus was intimately familiar with knowing what it was like to one-sidedly pine for another.
"Noted…Ginevra," he said, saying her name for the first time.
Her eyes narrowed while, at the same time, her lips curled slightly in amusement. "Good."
With that, her eyes grew watery, and she embraced him.
Severus held the heartbroken girl, who so reminded him of Lily, and at that moment, mentally offered his old friend a final farewell of his own.
A few minutes later, Arthur told the group, "We should head to the kitchens and leave Severus to finish his work."
"I believe I shall stay a smidge longer," said Hermione, briefly looking at Severus with sorrowful eyes. She had yet to come over to visit with him.
"Alright, dear," Molly said, concern on her face. "We'll see you in a little bit, then."
After the Weasley brood departed, Hermione paused briefly before approaching him. Meanwhile, Harry, having returned to the armchair, feigned indifference as he pretended to read his earlier book.
Hermione extended her hands towards Severus, silently asking him to place his in hers. He met Harry's gaze across the room and relaxed when Harry gave him an encouraging nod. Taking this as his cue, Severus placed his hands in her waiting palms. A sad smile touched her lips as she lightly held his hands and observed the contrasting appearance of their skin—hers smooth and tanned, while his was dotted with freckles. For a short moment, Hermione closed her eyes, savouring the warmth shared between them.
Abruptly releasing her hold, she stepped closer and desperately clung to him, clutching his jumper in each hand and resting her forehead against his chest.
As she quietly sobbed, Severus gently wrapped her in his arms.
With every tear she shed, he felt another boulder of shame crushing the breath from him. While a Death Eater, he had done unspeakable acts—acts that should have sealed his fate. Instead, he was alive, while young Ronald was dead.
"I'm sorry," Severus murmured softly to Hermione, his voice rough with emotion.
She lifted her head and gazed at him with an expression full of longing and loss. "May I?" she asked, her fingers hesitating before touching his cheek.
Understanding what she wished for, Severus gave a slight nod and leant down.
Their lips fleetingly touched, and Hermione sweetly kissed Ronald, not him, in a poignant goodbye.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Severus awkwardly nodded, feeling both hollow and strangely full from the bittersweet moment. Needing to look away, he shifted his attention to Harry, who was brushing away tears. When their gazes locked, Harry's supportive smile instantly lightened Severus' mood. He returned the gesture, and his heart fluttered in his chest.
Hermione looked at them knowingly, saying, "I believe I shall take my leave. Will you be joining me in the kitchens today?"
"How long do you plan to stay there?" Harry asked her.
"Until just before we all gather for dinner at seven," she replied.
"If everything goes as planned," Severus began, "we should make our way to the kitchens and meet you there no later than six."
"All right, I shall expect you both by then," Hermione said, giving them parting hugs before exiting the laboratory.
Severus returned to his workbench to inspect his potion. The golden liquid had ceased steaming and was now adequately cooled. Gazing into the cauldron, the potion's calm surface reflected Ronald's face with the clarity of a mirror. He carefully ladled the liquid into clear phials, filling three fully: one he would submit to the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers, one he would keep for his personal stores, and one he would take shortly.
Before now, Polyjuice Potion could only be brewed with samples from live individuals and lasted merely an hour. However, those limitations were overcome with his newly crafted Permanent Polyjuice Potion. This potion could be taken only once to change one's appearance indefinitely. A second dose would result in instant death; he had ensured as much to prevent its abuse. Consequently, intent was crucial for the potion to activate; otherwise, it remained inert to prevent its use as a lethal poison.
"Are you ready?" Harry asked, standing beside him.
Swallowing his apprehension, Severus gave a determined nod and selected the phial on the far right of the potion rack. He knew the concoction's potential effects in theory, so he made his way to his armchair, preferring to be seated should he lose consciousness.
Harry followed him protectively, and once Severus was comfortably seated, he lingered nearby, fidgeting.
"If this goes pear-shaped, send a Patronus message to Madam Pomfrey," Severus instructed, his voice steady.
Harry nodded, his expression serious but supportive. "I have no doubt your potion is perfect, Severus. You're a brilliant potion maker."
Severus barely stifled a blush at the praise. Clearing his throat to maintain his composure, he managed a grateful "Thank you."
As he raised the potion towards his mouth, he paused momentarily, noticing Harry staring at his lips with an intensity that went beyond mere curiosity. Severus' throat suddenly went dry from desire, and he was relieved the incessant cuckoo clock wasn't nearby. With the image of his old appearance in mind, he swallowed the phial's contents and braced himself.
Seemingly all at once, Severus felt his body shiver with movement, his hair lengthening, tickling his neck, and his limbs becoming wiry rather than gawkily lanky. Sliding up his left sleeve, he glanced down at his arm and found it was no longer freckled, having been returned to its original creamy paleness. The Dark Mark had also vanished from his forearm, freeing him from its stain and causing his eyes to prickle with tears. After further inspection, he froze, noticing his skin appeared smoother—too soft and unblemished—and his arm hair was finer than he remembered.
He looked up, and when he saw Harry's expression, he knew.
"You look my age," Harry said with awe, confirming Severus' suspicion.
"I knew this was a possible outcome," Severus drawled, his voice returned to him but sounding painfully young. "Although I had hoped this wouldn't be the case."
"Why?" asked Harry. "You look…"—he swallowed hard and stepped closer into the V of Severus' thighs until their legs touched—"great. Really great."
"Because…" Severus began, but his thoughts rapidly turned carnal as Harry leant closer and ran his fingers through Severus' thick, newly youthful hair.
Using every ounce of his Occlumeny skill, Severus gritted his teeth and shook his head. "We shouldn't do this," he finally managed to say. "Our earlier kiss should be our last. I've already been given a second chance that's far too generous to contemplate. If I get to have you, too, I worry I'll be hunted down for the injustice of it."
Harry's warm breath tickled Severus' ear as he whispered, "Then don't," his words laden with urgency and yearning. He pulled back to meet Severus' gaze. "If anyone is to be blamed, it's me, not you," he avowed fervently, willing Severus to understand. "And I promise I will do everything I can to keep you safe, and I…Merlin, I care about you so much and want to be with you so desperately."
Breathing hard, Severus felt his body hum with pent-up longing and lust that he had been trying to contain for weeks. Despite his nightly practice of mental shielding, he'd only been at it for a month in his current body, and under the enormous pressure of his desire, they cracked for the second time that day.
He pulled Harry closer, immediately plundering Harry's mouth with his tongue. Harry moaned and moved to straddle Severus' lap. He clumsily returned Severus' passion, but his enthusiasm more than compensated for it. Severus marvelled at the feeling of a man in his arms versus a woman, the delightful sensation of Harry's arousal rubbing against his own, the mutual strength of their entwined limbs.
Recognising he was getting carried away, Severus gently broke their embrace, his lips still tingling from the lingering sensation of Harry's. While he wasn't a virgin, he might as well be with how shockingly sensitive and new everything felt. Each touch and caress seemed to fracture another layer of his control, making him ache for more.
Panting, Harry groaned and asked, "Why'd you stop?"
"I was getting too close," Severus admitted with embarrassment.
"Oh," Harry uttered, grinning with delight. Cautiously, he asked, "Have you…had sex before?"
"Yes," Severus said, his voice tinged with irritation. "But I currently have the body of a teenager and haven't had relations in quite some time. Also...I've never engaged in homosexual activities until now." Fixing his gaze intently on Harry, he enquired, "Have you ever had sex?"
Harry's cheeks reddened. "Er, no."
"Do you want to…with me?" Severus asked tentatively with guarded hope.
At his words, Harry smiled brightly. "Yes." He looked around the potions laboratory and said, "Though I never imagined I'd be doing it for the first time in a place like this."
"I…did not mean to imply we had to do it at this precise moment," Severus clarified awkwardly.
But Harry shook his head, yanking off his hooded sweatshirt and T-shirt in one swift motion. "If I have to wait even a second longer to be with you, I might just scream in frustration."
Severus salivated at the sight of Harry's exposed lean chest, and his eagerness to explore further spurred him to hurriedly say, "Then we shall stay here."
He confused Harry by urging him to stand, promptly doing the same himself. With a swift flick of his wand aimed at the armchair, he Transfigured it into a twin-sized bed that fit neatly into the space.
Afterwards, they stood in self-conscious silence, uncertain of their next move.
Harry laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. Gathering his Gryffindor nerve and inhaling deeply, he said, "Well, since I'm shirtless, it only seems fair that you be the same."
Severus glanced down at his clothed figure before returning his gaze to Harry's expectant face. With intense purpose, he stepped closer until their chests touched. He then firmly gripped Harry's upper arms, sensually sliding his hands down them and guiding Harry's fingers to his hips where the hem of his jumper waited.
"Harry," Severus drawled richly, "undress me."
Shivering at Severus' seductive tone, Harry gulped and nodded enthusiastically. "Right," he agreed.
Slowly and deliberately, Harry slipped the jumper and underlying shirt upwards, exposing smooth, flawless skin. Goose pimples rose across Severus' body from the cool air as he lifted his arms to assist. With his chest now bare as well, Severus could see that both of their nipples were hard and erect; while his were a soft pink, Harry's were a deeper, more reddish-brown colour.
Harry, unsure of what to do with his newly acquired garments, scanned the room for a suitable place to put them. Finally, he Banished the jumper and shirt onto the unoccupied stool next to the workbench and promptly returned his attention to Severus. Licking his lips in anticipation, he traced the lines of Severus' torso with his fingertips, admiring every contour. Whilst maintaining eye contact, Harry bent down to take one of Severus' sensitive nipples into his mouth.
A gasp escaped Severus' lips and then a low moan as Harry's warm mouth enveloped him. He closed his eyes as Harry licked and sucked, a light, experimental nibble making him jump. Pre-come seeped from Severus' straining cock as he fought to control his breathing; after countless fantasies and masturbation sessions over the past month, he could scarcely believe that Harry wanted him—and passionately so.
As soon as Harry ceased his tantalising torment, Severus opened his eyes only to find Harry grinning in satisfaction. At the moment, Harry's gaze was fixated on Severus' bulging groin and the silver belt buckle above it. Likewise, Severus took the opportunity to openly ogle Harry's own erection straining against the confines of his jeans. Sensing the rising tension between them, he swallowed hard.
Harry frowned, seeming to analyse Severus' remaining clothes as if they were a cryptic puzzle to solve. Making a decision, he suggested, "Shoes next?"
Severus glanced down at what were now slightly oversized, hand-me-down Oxfords before nodding in agreement.
Kneeling onto the floor, Harry untied the black laces and gently eased each foot from its confines. He also slipped off Severus' socks, Banishing them and the shoes onto the stool. When he smiled and looked upwards as though seeking praise, Severus had to clench his jaw to suppress a moan.
Intrigued, Harry ran his hands over the tops of Severus's bare feet, the warmth from his palms against the cooler skin making Severus shiver. Focused solely on accomplishing his next task, Harry moved his hands to Severus' belt buckle, gleaming like an unopened treasure chest. Loosening the belt strap, sliding the metal prong out of the hole, pulling the strap from the buckle's frame, and finally gently freeing the strip of leather from Severus' belt loops: Harry's actions were imbued with a passion-filled intensity that made Severus yearn to ravish him immediately without further delay.
The belt clattered onto the stone floor—forgotten—and Harry's fingers were already in motion to undo Severus' trouser button and zip. Once the fabric was splayed open, his gaze rested upon Severus' erection straining temptingly against his pants.
Harry gulped.
Wearing an expression of determination, he slid his thumbs under the waistbands of both Severus' jeans and pants, giving Severus a moment to retrieve his wand from a pocket. Then, holding his breath, he lowered Severus' last vestiges of modesty.
Harry's lips parted at his first glimpse of Severus' member: thick and throbbing. Coyly, a blush tinging his cheeks a charming shade of rose, he met Severus' gaze.
The look of earnest desire on Harry's face shattered what was left of Severus' Occlumency barriers, his willpower crashing onto the mental landscape of his mind. After kicking off the clothes pooled around his ankles, he pulled Harry up and urged him onto the bed. Swiftly, he stripped off the rest of Harry's clothing: white trainers and socks, a worn belt, jeans, and black pants.
Panting with want and excitement, Harry stared at him with wide eyes.
As Severus knelt on the bed between Harry's spread legs, he marvelled at the sight of Harry's masculine form. Harry was so aroused that his length brushed against his flat stomach, and a puddle of pre-come glistened just below his navel.
However, reality soon barged into Severus' skull when he realised he wasn't entirely certain what to do next.
Understanding his predicament, Harry smiled at him cheekily and, with a slightly uneven swish, cast a spell that Severus vaguely recognised.
"Oh!" exclaimed Harry in surprise at the ensuing effect. He grinned with relief. "I wasn't sure if it'd work." Reaching down, he lightly touched his opening now leaking a trail of lube. "But I reckon it did."
Unable to wait another second, Severus climbed on top of Harry. As their members pressed against each other, he lost himself in the depth of their kiss, their tongues entwining and their hands exploring each other's skin. The erotic sounds falling from Harry's lips spurred Severus on, and he moved to explore Harry's neck, his collarbones, and then his chest, paying particular attention to the delicate, responsive buds there.
"Severus…" Harry moaned in helpless ecstasy, lost to the pleasure.
Arriving at Harry's member, Severus paused for a moment to both appreciate it and gather his courage before enthusiastically, though somewhat clumsily, taking it into his mouth. Harry cried out in bliss while arching his back and grasping for Severus' once-again jet-black hair. Severus hummed with satisfaction as Harry's clean scent enveloped him, driving Severus even further into lustful abandon.
Minutes later, he pulled away when Harry's breathing became too rapid, not wanting him to climax quite yet. At Harry's whine of complaint, he replaced his mouth with a hand and leisurely began to stroke him up and down with light pressure. His exploration continued lower as he gradually teased Harry's testicles.
Unbeknownst to him, he had underestimated how close Harry truly was. When his tongue teased the edge of Harry's sensitive rim, his body stiffened and his grip on Severus' hair tightened.
"Merlin," gasped Harry in desperation before grunting as the first wave of an orgasm hit him. "Severus…" he uttered gutturally before all he could express were harsh breaths and moans as he writhed beneath him.
Even though Severus wanted to savour every second of Harry's pleasure as he lapped at the twitching hole before him, the warning tightening of his own balls forced him to pull away and grasp the base of his cock to prevent himself from reaching climax prematurely.
Basking in a sensual haze, Harry lay limp with his legs spread open and come dripping into the crevices of his firm stomach. Knowing that Harry's relaxed state would make him more receptive to penetration, Severus positioned his index finger at Harry's entrance.
"Harry," he said smoothly, charming him clean with a flick of his wand.
"Hmm?" murmured Harry.
Lightly circling Harry's opening, Severus grinned when he heard a shameless moan. "I'm going to begin preparing you now. Is that all right?"
Harry laughed softly and met his gaze. "Severus, it's more than all right," he replied, pressing his backside against Severus' finger to emphasise his point.
Severus nodded, taking a deep breath.
Carefully, he slid a finger into Harry's hot centre, accompanied by Harry's appreciative moan and parted lips.
As Severus continued to stretch and pleasure him, he couldn't help but notice the differences between being inside an anus for the first time versus a vagina. The first distinction was the temperature; Harry was deliciously warm, though absent was the increasing heat due to a surge in blood flow that a woman would typically experience. Harry's walls also felt smoother and tighter than any woman he had ever been with.
But being within Harry transcended beyond physicality into something sublime.
Over the previous month, Severus had completely fallen for Harry—not just in lust but actual love. Harry's protective nature towards him and his trust in him had renewed his starved heart. And he simply had fun with Harry—he laughed and conversed freely on various topics—big and small—something he'd never had with anyone else.
Gently introducing another digit, Severus kissed the inner sides of Harry's thighs whilst watching his face for signs of discomfort.
"Yes…" moaned Harry, lifting his hips so that Severus could pump his fingers into him more forcefully.
Almost overwhelmed by the sight of him, Severus had to briefly shut his eyes.
After regaining his senses, he glanced at his own ample member and deemed a third finger necessary, promptly slipping it in.
"Severus, please," pleaded Harry shortly afterwards. "I'm ready; I promise."
"If you're certain, Harry," Severus replied, pausing his movements.
"I am," Harry assured him.
"As you wish," he said, causing Harry to shiver with pleasure at his words.
Severus withdrew his fingers and then positioned the tip of his cock against Harry's entrance. Closing his eyes, he calmed his mind so as not to lose himself the moment he penetrated Harry's tight opening.
At last, he slowly pushed into Harry. As the muscles of Harry's arse welcomed him, they both moaned in unison at the exquisite connection.
With gentle thrusts, Severus made love to Harry, caressing and kissing him with reverence. Harry sighed and moaned in pleasure as Severus cautiously experimented with varying angles and depths—using Harry's responses as a guide.
Desiring further contact with Harry's skin against his own, Severus manoeuvred them onto their sides into an even more intimate embrace, their noses nearly touching. As he continued to glide in and out of Harry's slick backside, he cherished the sight of Harry's face, awash with pleasure—pupils dilated and mouth relaxed, slightly open.
Sensing Harry wanted more, Severus flipped them yet again, knowing letting Harry ride him was the most effective way to minimise potential discomfort.
An impish grin spread across Harry's face as he looked down at him. "You've done it now, Severus," he teased.
Positioning his hands on Severus' chest for support, he abruptly began riding him with abandon, deep and hard.
Severus' eyes rolled into the back of his head as he exhaled Harry's name. Any control he possessed deserted him, and he took hold of Harry's hips, meeting each of Harry's downward motions with a forceful upward thrust of his own.
Too soon for his liking, Severus felt his bollocks start to tighten. "Harry," he warned, panting heavily, "I…I'm going to…"
At Severus' words, Harry met his gaze, and his rhythm on top of Severus instantly turned uneven.
"Bloody hell…" Harry groaned helplessly before closing his eyes.
Hearing Harry call out his name in ecstasy and feeling a warm streak of come land on his chest, Severus immediately soared to his own climax. His throaty moans turned hoarse as his orgasm ran on while Harry's arse readily accepted what he had to offer.
Once they regained their composure, they looked at each other with expressions of astonishment and grinned sheepishly.
"Merlin…" Harry said, awestruck, "I've never come so hard in my life."
Severus chuckled lightly. "It seems we have a similar effect on each other, then."
Catching Severus' meaning, Harry's grin widened into a dazzling smile. "Perhaps a further experiment is in order tonight, just to confirm."
Severus let out a theatrical sigh. "If you insist, Harry," he murmured, his tone laden with feigned reluctance and a hint of amusement.
As Harry broke out in laughter, a surge of affection overwhelmed Severus, forcing him to look away.
Severus cleared his throat. "Let's get you more comfortable," he said, helping to lift Harry off him.
Severus and Harry cleaned themselves up with a quick spell; as Harry lay beside him, Severus conjured a blanket against the room's chill. Harry sighed—more pensive than contented—prompting Severus to pull him closer.
Silence fell, deep and resonant, until Harry spoke. "Severus," he whispered.
"Hmm?" Severus murmured, his voice muffled by sleepiness.
"I love you," Harry said, each word deliberate but also revealing his fear of rejection and the undeniable truth of his emotions.
A tightness immediately gripped Severus' chest. "What?" he asked quietly, his tone filled with scepticism and slow realisation.
"I love you," Harry repeated, this time with more assurance, his eyes fixed on Severus. "I'm in love with you."
Severus wrestled with a rush of emotion—surprise and joy battled with the need for caution and the comprehension of what admitting the extent of his feelings would mean. After a tense pause, he confessed the truth, "Harry, I…I feel the same," his voice faltering yet sincere, each word heavy with significance.
Their smiles were tentative but genuine, mirroring their mutual understanding. They stayed wrapped in each other's arms, finding comfort in the stillness. Eventually, they stood to dress and restore order to the laboratory, moving deliberately as if trying to extend their closeness as long as possible.
Once his workbench was spotless and every piece of equipment properly stored away, Severus and Harry stepped into the cool corridor, leaving the comfort of the laboratory behind.
Walking towards the kitchens, a task he had done countless times, Severus felt a profound shift within himself. No longer was he merely Severus Snape, shaped by past shadows with secrecy and scars; he was now a young man openly in love with Harry Potter, warmly accepted by a large, affectionate family, and friends with the kind and loyal Hermione Granger. Poised to start a fresh chapter beyond the walls of Hogwarts at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, he felt the exhilaration and gravity of his newfound existence.
Despite the depth of his joy, Severus' steps were measured, conscious of Ronald Weasley's memory and the heavy cost paid for this happiness. Now, as Severus Weasley, he bore the responsibilities and dreams that came with his new name.
This time, however, he was not alone. With Harry, Hermione, and the Weasleys by his side, Severus faced the call of his future with determination and a heart full of love, ready to meet whatever challenges it might bring.
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