Fic: Making the Sacrifice
May. 31st, 2013 09:46 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alisanneTitle: Making the Sacrifice
Author:alisanne
Rating: PG
Pairing: Severus Snape/Harry Potter
Summary: Severus discovers that some sacrifices pay off.
Word Count: ~1800
Genre: Romance
Warnings: None
A/N: Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
enchanted_jae's monthly drabble challenge. I missed the last few so this my attempt to make it up by using prompts #85:Denial, #86: discreet, honor, trust, luxury, scarlet, and #87: Sacrifice in one story. I'm not sure how Jae feels about Snarry, but hopefully she approves. ;)
Beta:sevfan and emynn
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
~
Making the Sacrifice
~
Severus woke to unexpected luxury. Soft sheets? Where am I? Taking a moment to inhale before opening his eyes, he smelled herbs with an underlying medicinal tang. Infirmary or hospital.
“I know you’re awake, Severus, so you may as well open your eyes.”
Slowly, Severus did, staring up into Poppy’s compassionate eyes. She knows, he immediately thought. She hadn’t looked at him with anything but contempt in a year, and the change was startling. “What...happened?” he whispered, surprised at how much it hurt to speak.
“Harry killed He-Who-- Voldemort.”
Severus shuddered at the name.
Poppy smiled. “We’re all going to have to wean ourselves from avoiding saying his name.”
Nodding, Severus opened his mouth to ask more questions, but she shushed him. “Your throat is still injured, so try not to talk until I finish the healing. I’ll tell you everything.”
My throat--? Nagini! How am I even alive--? Severus started to try to sit up but Poppy easily stopped him with a gentle press of her hand.
“You’re weak,” she said. “Let me give you some restorative potions before you try to run off, all right?”
With a sigh, Severus relaxed and nodded.
“You must be sick.” She smiled. “Normally you’d argue with me. Now let me work.” By the time she’d performed more diagnostic spells, Severus had heard the entire story of the battle; how Potter had seemed dead but had sprung to life and duelled the Dark--Voldemort, and how he’d been declaring to anyone who would listen that Severus was a hero.
Severus had narrowed his eyes when she’d got to that bit, making Poppy laugh. “If you disagree,” she said, stepping away, “then you should argue it with him yourself.” She pursed her lips. “I’m going to let him see you now. He’s been waiting.”
Before Severus could protest, Potter was standing by his bedside, an unreadable look on his face. He’s matured, thought Severus. He’s become a man.
“I’m glad you’re all right, sir.” To Severus’ surprise, Potter clasped his hand as he spoke. “We owe you so much, it wouldn’t have been fair if you’d--” He exhaled, looking away for a moment.
Touched, Severus raised an eyebrow. “Are you still labouring under the misapprehension that life is fair, Potter?” he rasped, earning a glare from Poppy and a smile from Potter.
“Madam Pomfrey said you shouldn’t speak too much.”
Severus rolled his eyes. “Indeed.”
Snorting, Poppy stomped away, muttering about ‘stubborn gits’ and leaving Severus and Potter alone together. Strangely, Potter didn’t relinquish Severus’ hand.
“Why are you here, Potter?” Severus asked, tone soft.
Potter blushed, his cheeks turning almost scarlet. “I...er...well--”
His stumbling was oddly endearing. Severus waited.
“I saw your memories and I was hoping--”
“Ah.” Severus nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. What did I expect? He’s not here because of any special interest in me. “I’ll be happy to speak to you about your mother, of course--”
“No.” Potter blushed as Severus stared at him, surprised. “I mean yes, I want to hear about her, but I wanted to talk about you, actually.”
“Me?” Severus was suddenly conscious that Potter was still holding his hand. “What about me?”
Potter coughed, looking nervous. “I guess you may have given me more memories than you intended.”
For a moment Severus didn’t understand, but then he sucked in a breath as he realised what Potter meant. Salazar, I somehow sent him my fantasies! Face flaming, Severus looked away from Potter. “I understand now. Potter, I wish to apologise if you saw anything that makes you uncomfortable. On my honour, I shan’t make any unwanted advances and I shall be happy to discreetly disappear if that is your wish--”
“What?” Potter interrupted. “No!”
“No?” Severus frowned.
“Definitely no disappearing.” Potter sighed as Severus simply stared at him. “I knew this would be difficult to explain. Look, I’ve been thinking about the Half blood Prince for two years now, and even when I found out you were him, the fantasies didn’t stop, so when I saw your memories and I saw you thought about me, too, I wondered if maybe me trying to date girls was me being in denial and I think I like men, specifically one man, and I was really hoping that we could--?”
Did he just come out to me? “Impossible,” Severus said, shaking his head. “No one would accept a relationship between us. You’ll be sent to St Mungo’s for medical care. They’ll think you’ve gone mad!”
Potter smiled and sat on the edge of the cot, still not letting go of Severus’ hand. “No they won’t. Hermione and Ron already know. I think they knew before I did, actually.” He blushed. “I...apparently I talk in my sleep.”
Severus raised an eyebrow. “Indeed.”
Potter smiled. “So, er, they’d be fine. And Professor McGon--I mean Minerva offered me a job, and when I took it I said I’d do it if you stayed since I was hoping to get to know you better, and she said you were worth knowing.”
The tears pricking Severus’ eyes were a surprise to him. He blinked rapidly. “Did she indeed?”
Potter nodded, the expression in his eyes softening. He shifted his grip on Severus’ hand, sliding his thumb soothingly over Severus’ knuckles. “Yes.”
“Well then,” Severus choked out. “Perhaps we should...talk.”
Potter’s smile was like the sun coming out. “Brilliant!”
Severus tried to look stern. “But you’re too young to know what you want. Emotions are high after a battle, and I imagine the one with the Dark-- Voldemort was especially taxing. So we’ll talk, but nothing more.”
Potter’s smile deepened. “Okay,” he agreed. Then, leaning forward, he pressed his mouth to Severus’ lightly. “But I think there will be more than just talking.”
Severus sighed. “Stubborn,” he muttered.
Potter chuckled. “I like to think of it as determined,” he said. “Now, about that night you delivered the sword of Gryffindor. That was a mean trick to put it under an icy lake!” He winked. “If you’d just come to the camp I’d have been happy to strip for you.”
Severus barked a laugh.
“Stop straining your voice!” cried Poppy from across the infirmary.
Potter and Severus, startled, froze for a moment, then chuckled. And as they settled in for a long chat, Severus began to believe that perhaps his life had taken a turn for the better.
~
As Severus watched Harry talking to Ginevra Weasley, his hand inadvertently tightened on his teacup. Intellectually, Severus knew Harry was committed to him, that he loved him. And he knows how I feel about him. And yet somehow, seeing them together, all his insecurities came to the fore. Look at them. They’re perfect together. He’ll forget all about me and go off to make little red-headed babies. Perhaps I’m just a diversion--
Fortunately, Severus was in the staff dining area, invisible to students even though it was connected to the Great Hall and allowed an excellent view of the students and their foibles. Unfortunately, he was quite visible to the rest of the staff, who were very perceptive.
“I shouldn’t worry too much,” said Minerva as she slipped into the seat beside him. “Just have some trust in Harry.”
“What?” Distracted, Severus glared at her. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Minerva rested her hand on Severus’ arm. “You’re tense, upset about Ginny visiting. You should relax before you shatter that cup and injure your hand. No one wants you back in the infirmary.”
Exhaling, Severus put down the cup. “I would appreciate it, madam, if, in future, you would confine your observations to things that actually involve you.”
His tone was icy, but Minerva simply ignored it, helping herself to breakfast. “Your happiness is important to me, Severus,” she said simply. “Like it or not, your life does involve me. I abandoned you once, I shan’t again.”
Ashamed, Severus covered it with a brusque nod.
“Now, why are you so worried about Harry and Ginny? He’s clearly committed to you.” She smiled slyly. “I keep waiting for him to petition me to move into the dungeons.”
Severus’ cheeks flared with heat. “I don’t--”
“Ah, that’s my cue.” Minerva nodded towards Harry and Ginevra, who were concluding their conversation. She rose, patting his shoulder. “Have a good day, Severus. And please. Relax. Everything will be fine.”
Severus snorted but she was already gone.
“Hey,” said Harry, slipping into the seat Minerva had abandoned. “All finished with breakfast?”
Severus looked down at his untouched plate. “Evidently.”
Harry smiled. “Mind if I have your bacon?”
Severus shrugged. “Help yourself.”
“Thanks.” Munching, Harry poured himself some tea. “So Ginny has some news.”
Severus’ heart clenched. “Oh?”
“Yes.” Harry smiled. “She’s pregnant! She and Neville are expecting in the spring.”
Severus’ eyes widened. “She’s with Longbottom?”
Harry laughed. “Remember that wedding I attended in autumn?”
Severus huffed. “I can’t keep track of all your friends--”
Harry grinned, snagging Severus’ toast. “I know. Anyway...yes, she’s with Neville, they’re expecting, and she’d like me to be the baby’s godfather.”
Severus nodded. “And your reply?”
“I said I’d think about it.”
Severus frowned. “Why would you need to think about it?”
Harry paused in his eating, staring at Severus. “Well, because it’s a commitment I take seriously. If something happened to Ginny and Neville, we’d be raising their child. I can’t commit you to something like that without asking you.”
We? Warmth suffused Severus’ chest. “I appreciate your...consideration.”
“So, what do you think?” Harry leaned close. “Are you up for being a godfather?”
Heedless of the rest of the staff, Severus clasped Harry’s hand, raising it to his lips. “You know, I believe I can make that sacrifice.”
“Good.” Harry took a deep breath. “And, while we’re talking about the future, I was thinking that I should talk to Minerva about moving into the dungeons with you. Slipping back to my quarters every morning is getting old.” He smiled tentatively. “I realise you’d be sacrificing your privacy--”
Pleased, Severus smiled. “That is a sacrifice I’m prepare to make.”
Harry blinked. “Is that a yes?” he whispered.
Severus nodded. “That would be acceptable, yes.”
Beaming, Harry threw himself at Severus, kissing him soundly. All around them, members of the staff started clapping. “About time,” cried Hooch.
Face flushed, Severus looked across the room at Minerva, who winked at him. Bloody woman. She’s going to be insufferable. And she was.
~
Author:
alisanneRating: PG
Pairing: Severus Snape/Harry Potter
Summary: Severus discovers that some sacrifices pay off.
Word Count: ~1800
Genre: Romance
Warnings: None
A/N: Written for
enchanted_jae's monthly drabble challenge. I missed the last few so this my attempt to make it up by using prompts #85:Denial, #86: discreet, honor, trust, luxury, scarlet, and #87: Sacrifice in one story. I'm not sure how Jae feels about Snarry, but hopefully she approves. ;)Beta:
sevfan and emynnDisclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
~
Making the Sacrifice
~
Severus woke to unexpected luxury. Soft sheets? Where am I? Taking a moment to inhale before opening his eyes, he smelled herbs with an underlying medicinal tang. Infirmary or hospital.
“I know you’re awake, Severus, so you may as well open your eyes.”
Slowly, Severus did, staring up into Poppy’s compassionate eyes. She knows, he immediately thought. She hadn’t looked at him with anything but contempt in a year, and the change was startling. “What...happened?” he whispered, surprised at how much it hurt to speak.
“Harry killed He-Who-- Voldemort.”
Severus shuddered at the name.
Poppy smiled. “We’re all going to have to wean ourselves from avoiding saying his name.”
Nodding, Severus opened his mouth to ask more questions, but she shushed him. “Your throat is still injured, so try not to talk until I finish the healing. I’ll tell you everything.”
My throat--? Nagini! How am I even alive--? Severus started to try to sit up but Poppy easily stopped him with a gentle press of her hand.
“You’re weak,” she said. “Let me give you some restorative potions before you try to run off, all right?”
With a sigh, Severus relaxed and nodded.
“You must be sick.” She smiled. “Normally you’d argue with me. Now let me work.” By the time she’d performed more diagnostic spells, Severus had heard the entire story of the battle; how Potter had seemed dead but had sprung to life and duelled the Dark--Voldemort, and how he’d been declaring to anyone who would listen that Severus was a hero.
Severus had narrowed his eyes when she’d got to that bit, making Poppy laugh. “If you disagree,” she said, stepping away, “then you should argue it with him yourself.” She pursed her lips. “I’m going to let him see you now. He’s been waiting.”
Before Severus could protest, Potter was standing by his bedside, an unreadable look on his face. He’s matured, thought Severus. He’s become a man.
“I’m glad you’re all right, sir.” To Severus’ surprise, Potter clasped his hand as he spoke. “We owe you so much, it wouldn’t have been fair if you’d--” He exhaled, looking away for a moment.
Touched, Severus raised an eyebrow. “Are you still labouring under the misapprehension that life is fair, Potter?” he rasped, earning a glare from Poppy and a smile from Potter.
“Madam Pomfrey said you shouldn’t speak too much.”
Severus rolled his eyes. “Indeed.”
Snorting, Poppy stomped away, muttering about ‘stubborn gits’ and leaving Severus and Potter alone together. Strangely, Potter didn’t relinquish Severus’ hand.
“Why are you here, Potter?” Severus asked, tone soft.
Potter blushed, his cheeks turning almost scarlet. “I...er...well--”
His stumbling was oddly endearing. Severus waited.
“I saw your memories and I was hoping--”
“Ah.” Severus nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. What did I expect? He’s not here because of any special interest in me. “I’ll be happy to speak to you about your mother, of course--”
“No.” Potter blushed as Severus stared at him, surprised. “I mean yes, I want to hear about her, but I wanted to talk about you, actually.”
“Me?” Severus was suddenly conscious that Potter was still holding his hand. “What about me?”
Potter coughed, looking nervous. “I guess you may have given me more memories than you intended.”
For a moment Severus didn’t understand, but then he sucked in a breath as he realised what Potter meant. Salazar, I somehow sent him my fantasies! Face flaming, Severus looked away from Potter. “I understand now. Potter, I wish to apologise if you saw anything that makes you uncomfortable. On my honour, I shan’t make any unwanted advances and I shall be happy to discreetly disappear if that is your wish--”
“What?” Potter interrupted. “No!”
“No?” Severus frowned.
“Definitely no disappearing.” Potter sighed as Severus simply stared at him. “I knew this would be difficult to explain. Look, I’ve been thinking about the Half blood Prince for two years now, and even when I found out you were him, the fantasies didn’t stop, so when I saw your memories and I saw you thought about me, too, I wondered if maybe me trying to date girls was me being in denial and I think I like men, specifically one man, and I was really hoping that we could--?”
Did he just come out to me? “Impossible,” Severus said, shaking his head. “No one would accept a relationship between us. You’ll be sent to St Mungo’s for medical care. They’ll think you’ve gone mad!”
Potter smiled and sat on the edge of the cot, still not letting go of Severus’ hand. “No they won’t. Hermione and Ron already know. I think they knew before I did, actually.” He blushed. “I...apparently I talk in my sleep.”
Severus raised an eyebrow. “Indeed.”
Potter smiled. “So, er, they’d be fine. And Professor McGon--I mean Minerva offered me a job, and when I took it I said I’d do it if you stayed since I was hoping to get to know you better, and she said you were worth knowing.”
The tears pricking Severus’ eyes were a surprise to him. He blinked rapidly. “Did she indeed?”
Potter nodded, the expression in his eyes softening. He shifted his grip on Severus’ hand, sliding his thumb soothingly over Severus’ knuckles. “Yes.”
“Well then,” Severus choked out. “Perhaps we should...talk.”
Potter’s smile was like the sun coming out. “Brilliant!”
Severus tried to look stern. “But you’re too young to know what you want. Emotions are high after a battle, and I imagine the one with the Dark-- Voldemort was especially taxing. So we’ll talk, but nothing more.”
Potter’s smile deepened. “Okay,” he agreed. Then, leaning forward, he pressed his mouth to Severus’ lightly. “But I think there will be more than just talking.”
Severus sighed. “Stubborn,” he muttered.
Potter chuckled. “I like to think of it as determined,” he said. “Now, about that night you delivered the sword of Gryffindor. That was a mean trick to put it under an icy lake!” He winked. “If you’d just come to the camp I’d have been happy to strip for you.”
Severus barked a laugh.
“Stop straining your voice!” cried Poppy from across the infirmary.
Potter and Severus, startled, froze for a moment, then chuckled. And as they settled in for a long chat, Severus began to believe that perhaps his life had taken a turn for the better.
~
As Severus watched Harry talking to Ginevra Weasley, his hand inadvertently tightened on his teacup. Intellectually, Severus knew Harry was committed to him, that he loved him. And he knows how I feel about him. And yet somehow, seeing them together, all his insecurities came to the fore. Look at them. They’re perfect together. He’ll forget all about me and go off to make little red-headed babies. Perhaps I’m just a diversion--
Fortunately, Severus was in the staff dining area, invisible to students even though it was connected to the Great Hall and allowed an excellent view of the students and their foibles. Unfortunately, he was quite visible to the rest of the staff, who were very perceptive.
“I shouldn’t worry too much,” said Minerva as she slipped into the seat beside him. “Just have some trust in Harry.”
“What?” Distracted, Severus glared at her. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Minerva rested her hand on Severus’ arm. “You’re tense, upset about Ginny visiting. You should relax before you shatter that cup and injure your hand. No one wants you back in the infirmary.”
Exhaling, Severus put down the cup. “I would appreciate it, madam, if, in future, you would confine your observations to things that actually involve you.”
His tone was icy, but Minerva simply ignored it, helping herself to breakfast. “Your happiness is important to me, Severus,” she said simply. “Like it or not, your life does involve me. I abandoned you once, I shan’t again.”
Ashamed, Severus covered it with a brusque nod.
“Now, why are you so worried about Harry and Ginny? He’s clearly committed to you.” She smiled slyly. “I keep waiting for him to petition me to move into the dungeons.”
Severus’ cheeks flared with heat. “I don’t--”
“Ah, that’s my cue.” Minerva nodded towards Harry and Ginevra, who were concluding their conversation. She rose, patting his shoulder. “Have a good day, Severus. And please. Relax. Everything will be fine.”
Severus snorted but she was already gone.
“Hey,” said Harry, slipping into the seat Minerva had abandoned. “All finished with breakfast?”
Severus looked down at his untouched plate. “Evidently.”
Harry smiled. “Mind if I have your bacon?”
Severus shrugged. “Help yourself.”
“Thanks.” Munching, Harry poured himself some tea. “So Ginny has some news.”
Severus’ heart clenched. “Oh?”
“Yes.” Harry smiled. “She’s pregnant! She and Neville are expecting in the spring.”
Severus’ eyes widened. “She’s with Longbottom?”
Harry laughed. “Remember that wedding I attended in autumn?”
Severus huffed. “I can’t keep track of all your friends--”
Harry grinned, snagging Severus’ toast. “I know. Anyway...yes, she’s with Neville, they’re expecting, and she’d like me to be the baby’s godfather.”
Severus nodded. “And your reply?”
“I said I’d think about it.”
Severus frowned. “Why would you need to think about it?”
Harry paused in his eating, staring at Severus. “Well, because it’s a commitment I take seriously. If something happened to Ginny and Neville, we’d be raising their child. I can’t commit you to something like that without asking you.”
We? Warmth suffused Severus’ chest. “I appreciate your...consideration.”
“So, what do you think?” Harry leaned close. “Are you up for being a godfather?”
Heedless of the rest of the staff, Severus clasped Harry’s hand, raising it to his lips. “You know, I believe I can make that sacrifice.”
“Good.” Harry took a deep breath. “And, while we’re talking about the future, I was thinking that I should talk to Minerva about moving into the dungeons with you. Slipping back to my quarters every morning is getting old.” He smiled tentatively. “I realise you’d be sacrificing your privacy--”
Pleased, Severus smiled. “That is a sacrifice I’m prepare to make.”
Harry blinked. “Is that a yes?” he whispered.
Severus nodded. “That would be acceptable, yes.”
Beaming, Harry threw himself at Severus, kissing him soundly. All around them, members of the staff started clapping. “About time,” cried Hooch.
Face flushed, Severus looked across the room at Minerva, who winked at him. Bloody woman. She’s going to be insufferable. And she was.
~
no subject
Date: 2013-06-01 09:31 am (UTC)I love yours "after Final Battle" fics :D Severus is both insecure and full of hope. And still jealous about Ginny, silly Potions Master. Everybody knows that Harry loves only him.
Love this, my dear!
no subject
Date: 2013-06-06 03:54 am (UTC)Severus' insecurities are always fun to explore. *pets him* But, as you say, Harry adores him and always will. *g*
Yay that you liked this one!
no subject
Date: 2013-06-02 02:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-06-06 03:54 am (UTC)Thank you! :)
no subject
Date: 2013-06-02 03:24 am (UTC)yay!! i very much love it!
no subject
Date: 2013-06-06 03:55 am (UTC)Thanks so much, sweetie!
no subject
Date: 2013-06-02 07:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-06-06 03:55 am (UTC)Thank you so much! ♥
no subject
Date: 2013-06-03 01:01 am (UTC)The flow of this was wonderful. I like how Poppy filled Severus in on the details of the final battle. It was really good for him to know that she and the others now knew just whose side he was really on. It showed in the way she treated him.And the conversation with Potter.. I have to say that the best part was how they both reacted to Poppy's scolding.
Then you went and moved Minerva into the spot light. Her telling Severus to calm down, guessing that Harry was going to be moving into the dungeon soon. I'm positive that she was smug as she could be when she was handed that request.
Thank you for such a wonderful story.
no subject
Date: 2013-06-06 03:59 am (UTC)*giggles* Poppy is a fierce woman when she needs to be. And everyone knows not to mess with people who know how you're put together. ;)
Minerva knows Severus very well, bless her. I imagine she's been pulling for them for a while. *nods*
I'm so pleased you enjoyed this. Thanks again!
no subject
Date: 2013-06-07 11:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2013-06-10 07:29 pm (UTC)And I kinda hit most of my fave tropes in this one, too. *g*
Thanks again, bb! Your lovely comments always make my day. ♥