Skeeter Chronicles Chapter Eighteen

Title: Skeeter Chronicles
Rating: This chapter PG
Author: SoLeo
Word Count: +1100
Warnings: *EWE*
Disclaimer: You know I don't own them. 
Summary: In which Rita Skeeter attempts to get the exclusive of a lifetime.
AN: So, for those of you following know I usually get out two chapters a week… the reason I didn’t this week? EXCUSES! (If you know Mr. Torgue from Borderlands 2 imagine his voice there.) Also, I realized that another reason Draco might have been a bit of a prat last time is that his birthday was the day before, and Severus didn’t even stop by to say Happy Birthday. Woops.

Chapter Eighteen

Harry doesn’t show up Thursday evening, but he arrives before dinner Friday night. He’s still in his auror robes, but has a small duffle bag with him this time. I only raise my eyebrow at his forethought.

“Evening Severus,” as soon as he gains entrance to my office he come over to me and places a kiss on my cheek. “I missed you again.”

“Indeed. After Wednesday I had expected you to drop by again last night.”

“You missed me?” He perked up at that, picturing me wasting away without him, which I did no such thing. Dinner was just as it ever was, surrounded by my few colleagues during the summer in the teacher’s lounge. I never once thought that it would be improved by his presence, as the silence was so very peaceful. I lie to myself so very well.

“I forgot to tell you, Thursdays are when I go over to visit Andromeda and Teddy. Sometimes she goes out, sometimes we have dinner together. He’s getting so big. I can’t believe he’s already over a year. I’m his godfather and I plan to be a good influence in his life.”

“That is very admirable of you Harry.”

“Thanks. Even though he’s an orphan I want him to know how much his parents loved him, and that he’s cared for.” There was sadness lurking in the depth of his eyes, as he remembered the pain from his own wretched youth. “Now that I’m here, tell me about your day?” He forces a smile onto his face, and it’s not nearly as enchanting as his real one.

Instead of confronting him about his past, I let him have his moment to recompose himself. “You might like to know that I sent an owl off to Narcissa today, letting her know she has been approved by the board today. She can move into the family quarters next week. I’m hoping she can be all settled before the twenty-third, as we need her keyed to the wards before Minerva leaves for the week. She always gets vacation the last week of June.”

“What about you?”

“Hm? What about me?”

“When do you get to take a vacation?”

“I hadn’t planned on having a vacation this year. I do have a lot of things I need to attend to.”

“Oh, come on Severus, you deserve a vacation just like any of the other teachers. I bet Dumbledore took some time for himself every year. Even when I was a student, he must have.” He’s leaning against my desk, making it impossible for me to continue reading. “How about we take a vacation together? I’m getting a week off after I finish training in July and they move me over to active duty. The tenth to the seventeenth. I’ll plan something, you just make sure that you have the time off.”

“I can’t. There’s a symposium I am attending and much to much for me to do. And …” He’s giving me this look, ready to fight me over this. He is as stubborn as I am, but should I fight him? He’s trying to get me to join him for a relaxing week alone. “And, I suppose that I can leave Minerva to handle everything.” He smiles, and embraces me. His warmth seeps deep into my bones, I hadn’t even realized that I was cold. I feel bereft as he pulls away.

“Great. You won’t have to worry about a thing. I’ll get it all planned out.” Now I’m worried.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Harry has to go to the Ministry Saturday, but waking up with him in my bed is something I wish to get used to. His presence alone warms up the room, but having it curled around my person isn’t stifling as I first thought it would be.

I promise to join him at his home in the evening for the weekend as we have been doing. I’m looking forward to another dance lesson as I plan to make use of the dining room table for something licentious. Sunday Harry has already talked me into seeing another movie. We both could use the off time from our busy schedules. Another reason agreeing to vacation with him is a good idea. We could both use the recharge.

I wonder how long we can keep our relationship under wraps. I’m not looking forward to the papers splashing my face all over the front page, but I feel as if we’re being forced into being trapped either inside his home or Hogwarts, with secret forays into the Muggle world. I know Harry would love to go to a Quidditch match with me. He’s mentioned that a scout for the Harpies had given Ginny some tickets, but wasn’t sure if he would be able to go. Or for ice cream at Fortescue’s. Even a walk through Hogsmeade seems impossible with everyone watching.

I doubt he’s ever been to a proper Summer Solstice celebration, which is only about a week away. I need to check with Narcissa if she had planned a get together of some kind. Now that she is set to move into Hogwarts I would allow her the use of the grounds instead. It’s only fair. Then we can have the warding ritual after.

Monday I set into motion my plan to set up the party and invite those people that Harry would like to attend. As I write out the guest list I’ve realized that I’ve added another event to my already full schedule. I must be temporarily deranged, because there is something about Harry that conjures my insanity. I work in secret for the week, wanting Harry to be surprised.

Harry stays with me Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I can’t say that I’m upset that he drops by unannounced. Quite the opposite. My bed feels so cold on the days he doesn’t show up.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Monday I wake up cold, and I trudge through my daily routine. I’m expecting Harry to arrive around five. I’m worried that he will forgo visiting me, thwarting my plans for the party. In my correspondences with Narcissa and Hermione I have managed to arrange the appropriate guest list and the necessary food and drink. Even with arranging her own quarters over the weekend Narcissa took time to help set up the Great Hall for the feast. She was so excited to be able to help when I explained what I intended. Having something that makes her feel useful has already improved her morale.

I end up watching the clock surreptitiously all day. Around four I give up on the pretense of getting anything done and I calm myself by making a cuppa. Everyone should be starting to arrive by now and Minerva is greeting them. I’ve given Harry the floo password for my quarters so he shouldn’t run into anyone as he arrives. I remain in a state of nervousness until I hear my office door open. Only Harry would barge in unannounced. We share a smile as our eyes meet.

Skeeter Chronicles Chapter Nineteen

Title: Skeeter Chronicles
Rating: This chapter PG
Author: SoLeo
Word Count: +1300
Warnings: *EWE*
Disclaimer: You know I don't own them. 
Summary: In which Rita Skeeter attempts to get the exclusive of a lifetime.
AN: And how about that for quick turn around? Besides I need to wrap this up so I can work on some other ideas I have. I can’t focus on more than one story at a time. Grrrr.

Chapter Nineteen

“Evening Severus.” His smile lights up his eyes. I need to see what I can do about getting rid of those obnoxious glasses. His eyes weren’t meant to be hidden.

“Evening Harry.” I say in the same welcoming tone. I stand and join him by the door. He gives me a peck on the cheek as his usual greeting.

“Are you ready for dinner? I’m starved.”

I offer him my arm, and he latches on without hesitation. “Actually I have something special planned.”

“Really? Like what?” He’s excited. He is the kind of person that enjoys being surprised.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.” I lead him down stairs and through the empty corridors towards the Great Hall.

“It must be something fancy if we’re not eating in your room, or with the other teachers. Am I dressed appropriately?” We stop and I look over his robes. They are his work ones, and are plain red with black trim. I have seen him in them often enough.

I take my time taking in every detail. Gorgeous. “You look splendid.” I say instead.

The door is already open as we approach and I can hear the voices of those milling around inside. Music is also playing gently.

“We’re having a party? What’s the occasion? I didn’t miss your birthday did I?” He turns to me, horrified that he might have made some sort of faux pas.

“No. My birthday is months from now. This is a celebration for the summer solstice, also called Litha. The power of the sun is honored on this, the longest day of the year.”

“Oh, right. I didn’t know that was a reason to have a party.” We stand just outside the view of the doors.

“Come, your friends are waiting.” I pull him to the threshold and we see that the room is decked out. It’s almost as if we’re stepping outside, there is so much greenery. There is a large Maypole in the center of the room, ribbons already strewn around it in bright colors and candles are everywhere giving the room a warm glow as the ceiling displays the colors of the evening. There is an hour still until sunset.

“It’s beautiful.” It’s a hushed whisper and I’m not sure he meant for me to hear. It pleases me anyways that my efforts have been appreciated.

“After the sun sets there is a bonfire that we will light outside, until then, please enjoy yourself.”

Longbottom and Lovegood were swaying near the maypole, joined by Narcissa and Lucius. The older pair was getting some odd looks from the younger crowd, but no one dares interrupt them. Hermione and the two youngest Weasleys were chatting by the horderves. Ronald never seemed to stop eating, but they were talking about something. Minerva, Hagrid, and Poppy were sitting near the record player enjoying the melody and keeping an eye on things.

When Harry spots some unusual faces he points them out. “What are they doing here?” I think he is referring to the Slytherins; Draco, Daphne and Blaise, but I answer for the whole group of them.

“I hope you don’t mind that I also used this as an opportunity to get all the older return students to visit the grounds together and hopefully get over past differences.”

He nods at the idea in approval. “I really hope this new school year lets the houses come together. We have so much we can learn from each other.”

Minerva waves at me and I excuse myself as Harry goes over to horderves.

Poppy is the first to speak. “This is very nice Severus. We haven’t had a proper Litha in years.”

“Not a lot ‘ta celebrate ‘til rec’ntly.” Hagrid sips his mead.

He is ignored as she continues. “And I was pleasantly surprised that you invited all the older students. I plan on speaking to Mr. Malfoy about working with me during the year, warming him up to the idea.”

“Now that we no longer need to hold onto old animosity a party is the perfect excuse to bring the children together.” I also wanted to have as many people that Harry considered friends to be here with him. We sit and talk amiably for a while, but I keep an eye on Harry as he sits with his friends.

I watch closely as Draco approaches Harry, Granger and Weasley. I stand in case I need to intervene. I can’t hear the conversation from here, but no one starts shouting or sending curses at each other. Eventually Harry extends his hands to the blonde. Draco must have been stunned because it takes a few seconds for him to take the offered hand in his own. And just like that an unknown tension is released over the whole ensemble. Harry looks at me over Draco’s shoulder and smiles.

“This is something I never thought I would live to see.” Minerva is standing next to me, and the other adults have dispersed into the crowd.

“I know.” I am feeling very proud at the moment, not quite sure where the feeling is coming from.

“Not them. You. You’re besotted. It’s a charming look on you.” I swiftly take stalk in my body and close off my expression. I must have been looking at Harry the whole time with a mushy look in my eyes. “Oh, don’t do that Severus. Don’t hide it. I’m so glad that the war didn’t take the ability to love from you. It’s been far too long since you could be free, and Harry is similarly affected. Your affection for each other is like a cheering charm on the whole room, don’t you see?” I look around at the gathered student, faculty and alumni. I see now that they’re all smiling, enjoying themselves. “I hope now that I’ve pointed it out you don’t push him away. You’ve been such a wonderful influence on each other.”

It’s no use hiding it from her. “I know.” Now that she’s said it out loud it made the feelings that I have been having more real, something substantial. “You’re right.” Her smile isn’t judgmental, only friendly. “I don’t think I could push him away Minerva. He’s wormed his way into my life so subtly that to lose him would leave me desolate.”

“Then why are you standing over here chatting with me. Go to him. Everyone here will understand.” She pushes me in Harry’s general direction and returns to her seat.

Narcissa has gathered the students into a dance around the pole. Alternating boy/girl the sixteen youths twirl around in a circle, tying the ribbons tightly. Everyone else is enjoying the show as I silently join Harry at the table. Ronald and Ginevra see me approach and join in on the dancing, leaving Harry alone.

“Are you having a good time?”

He hadn’t seen me and jumps in surprise. “Oh, yes. It’s been nice to see everyone. I didn’t think you were going to come back over here with everyone watching.”

“I didn’t think it was a risk, considering the crowd.”

“I don’t know… Seamus tried to tell me about this being a fertility ritual and if we’re seen talking to each other people might wonder.” He doesn’t move away as I sit next to him and scoot closer.

“We could dispel their doubts, by revealing them as truths.” It takes him a moment, as he makes sure he understands my meaning. I lay my hand next to his on the table, briefly touching his fingers.

“Are you sure about that? I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

“I think I’m prepared to face your adoring crowds, with you by my side. Unless you’ve changed your mind…”

He grabs my hand, weaving our fingers together. “No, I haven’t. I’m very sure about you.” I place a kiss on our interwoven hands, anything further would be indecent.

“Then there is nothing to fear.” 

Love Enduring

Title: Love Enduring
Rating: G
Author: SoLeo
Word Count: 100
Challenge: snarry100 #389: Terms of Endearment
Warnings: none.
Disclaimer: You know I don't own them. 
Summary: Severus is practicing lines.

“Snookums, nauseating. Babydoll, too cheesy.  Pudding, ugh, no.” Severus is standing in front of his mirror muttering to himself.

“What are you doing?” Harry peers into their room at his beloved.

“Nothing.” He says quickly.

Harry leaves, still curious but not willing to fight about keeping secrets, again. He waits outside listening instead.

“Honey, babe, dear. How can people say these things with a straight face?” His reflection has no answer. He sighs in defeat.

“Severus?” He turns to face Harry standing in the door. “Why don’t you stick with a classic?”

They share a look and smile. “Yes, Love.”