Chapter 29

Severus might not be as unpopular around Hogwarts as he'd once been, but other things remained utterly unchanged. Such as his complete dread for the second Saturday of each month when the faculty gathered to eat breakfast together and discuss school and student matters.

He and Hermione were the first to arrive and chatted amiably.

"Were there any control charms on Harry?"

"None."

"That's unfortunate." He raised an eyebrow in question. "It would have been an easy fix. Remove the charm, Harry leaves Draco of his own accord. Voila, Malfoy Problem is solved."

"I suppose that would have made things rather simple."

"Have faith." She took a croissant from the center of the table and handed it to him as she took an apple pastry for herself. She then poured Severus a cup of coffee and added just a bit of cream. Hermione did know him very well. They'd been working closely together since her last year as a student. He valued her immensely.

"Do you honestly believe I have any chance?"

Hermione didn't have the opporunity to answer as other staff members began to fill the room and take their seats.

"You're the talk of the school, Severus." Minerva purred teasingly.

"I am incredibly aware."

"Well it isn't every day their potions master courts a celebrity."

"A celebrity? We attended school with most of the older students." Hermione protested.

Minerva took a sip of tea and nodded. "I suppose, with the war having ended, the students have found new things to talk about."

"No, gossip has always been a source of entertainment, even during the war." Neville said. He and Albus eyed Severus identically.

Severus turned his attention back to his coffee. He remembered the gossip well.

"I'm sure you have the entire wizarding world talking," Albus told him. Severus sensed a cryptic deeper meaning in his words but ignored it.

"They can say whatever they wish. For once I am doing something for myself and not for any greater purpose."

"I planned to speak to you later about this," Albus began. He hummed around his last bite of pastry then sighed. "I worry about how this might be viewed by current students and parents alike. Harry only recently left school."

"Two years ago!" Hermione shrilled. "Neville and I are employed here. We are adults!"

"I'm aware," Albus said kindly. "I only worry about where the minds of others might go."

"Indeed!" Minerva agreed. "If it were not for my interference, Severus might have lost his teaching career while Harry was still a student!"

Severus nearly spewed his coffee across the table.

"If it weren't for your interference, Harry might not be in the predicament he now finds himself in."

Hermione placed her hand over Severus's.

"Tell me, Severus Snape, what predicament is that?"

He looked to Hermione. She shook her head vehemently.

"Forget it," Hermione insisted.

"It's of no consequence," Severus conceded. "Just know that I behaved appropriately while he was a student."

"The prophecy itself said your love is what would protect him. It was easy to say it was not of a romantic nature, given your guardianship relationship with him... but now? People will have concerns, Severus!"

"I've grown weary of my private life being under constant scrutiny. If my courtship is successful, I will spend the rest of my life with Harry. If any of you believe that to be an issue for this institution, I have no qualms with forfeiting my tenure."

"We want you to be happy," Pomona said sweetly. "I see no problem here."

"Right she is!" Hagrid boomed. "If'n anyone takes offense at you 'n 'Arry findin' love 'n whatnot, I'll tell 'em right off, I will!" He winked at Pomona who blushed.

Neville fidgeted and adjusted himself in his seat looking uncomfortable.

"Let's move on, shall we?" Albus looked around the table.

The rest of the meeting was uneventful. Severus returned to his rooms before morning classes. The daily post awaited him on his table. His eyes were immediately drawn to the envelope addressed to him in curvy effeminate handwriting.

Severus,

I am utterly outraged. I have attempted to withhold my thoughts but I find that I can no longer remain silent. As the godfather of my son, I am stunned that you would attempt to tear his happiness away from him. He has worked hard to build a life with Harry just for you to weasel yourself into his relationship. You are no longer considered a friend of the Malfoy family.

Narcissa Malfoy

Severus ignited the letter with a flick of his wand and watched it turn to a pile of ash on his table.

He felt no loss.

He was completely willing to lose his position at Hogwarts, his friendships, his business, all of his material possessions.

He wanted Harry. He wanted to make Harry happy. Nothing else beyond that mattered.

He'd lost Harry once. He didn't intend to lose him again, regardless of what it cost him.

"Accio parchment and quill."

Harry,

I look forward to our next meeting this Friday. I will arrive at 0700. Feel free to dress casually.

Yours always,

Severus Snape

Severus stepped through the floo. Before his eyes could adjust after the flare of green flame, Sirius grabbed Severus roughly by the forearm and pulled him into the kitchen. He shut the door quietly.

"He's not gotten out of bed since your last meeting. He's not opened his shop. Nothing."

The worry in Sirius's dark eyes was nauseating.

Severus had sensed some panic through the bracelet the prior week but nothing since then.

"What happened?"

Sirius's eyes narrowed angrily. "Fucking Malfoy."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Of course."

"I'm not sure what he said to Harry, but whatever it was really got to him."

"An inherited trait. The Malfoys have a talent for being cruel."

"I remember well." The man shuddered.

"Has he returned since then?"

"No, but I can't exactly keep him out unless Harry says otherwise. They're still technically engaged, after all."

"Sirius!" Harry screamed from his room. Severus's heart began to race.

"Stay here," Sirius commanded. He did as he was told, but his curiosity was intense. He pressed his ear to the wall between the kitchen and Harry's room to listen.

"I don't know what to wear and he's already here."

"Harry, you look handsome no matter what you wear."

He heard Harry groan.

"He loves you, Harry. I'm sure you couldn't frighten him away even if you went out there in your loungewear and hair uncombed."

Severus sighed. Didn't Harry know how lucky Severus felt just to be in his presence? He didn't care what Harry wore.

"I need to tell him tonight and I just... if he is going to hear about all of this, everything else needs to be perfect. Am I making any sense?"

Severus heard Harry's bed creak followed by the sound of his wardrobe being opened.

"He's been through war, too. He knows all about the various scars that comes from that. He's very aware of what you've been through."

"Exactly! He has enough of his own, why should he want to deal with mine?"

"You look at me now, Harry James. Put this on. Go out there, go on your date. Be honest with him. What's the worst that can happen?"

There was a long silence.

Severus backed away from the wall. He felt as if the air had been sucked from his lungs.

"Hi, Severus." Harry stepped into the kitchen. He'd forgone his muggle clothing and wore a sensible black wizarding robe. Sirius was correct. Harry was handsome in anything he wore. He'd still not shaved. His beard was a bit thicker. But his eyes were as green as ever.

Harry smiled at him as if he hadn't just been panicking in the other room.

"Good evening, Harry. You look lovely."

Harry smiled brilliantly.

Severus would do anything to never let that smile fade.