alisanne

Title: Going Back to Basics
Author:

alisanne
Pairing: Severus Snape/Harry Potter
Word Count: 100 x 7
Rating: PG
Challenge: Written for

snarry100/

snarry100's prompt #387: Back to Basics
Warning(s): None
A/N: Severus and Harry start over.
Betas:

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.

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Going Back to Basics

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Severus turned from the podium, only to find Harry Potter. “Potter,” he said, noting the Order of Merlin on Potter’s robes. “Congratulations.”

“And to you, sir.” Potter smiled. “About time.”

Severus hummed. Potter had been his most vociferous defendant after the war. “Indeed. Your assistance was most appreciated.”

“We’ll be working together, too.”

Severus nodded. “I’d heard you accepted Hogwarts’ Transfiguration position.”

Potter extended his hand. “Despite our issues, I was hoping we could go back to basics? Start over?”

Severus accepted the handshake. “Very well.” The spark of awareness that shot up his arm was....unexpected.

Potter grinned. “Brilliant.”

~

“...so antiquated,” Potter sighed, scanning the textbook.

“Minerva thought so, too,” said Severus, grading his parchments.

Potter looked up. “Why did she use it, then?”

“The board of governors.” Severus sighed. “Albus fought them, but they insisted.”

“Ah.” Potter pursed his lips. “I’d love to start over, go back to basics.”

“Why can’t you?” Severus held Potter’s gaze. “Minerva passes through this staff room every night before supper. Make your request then.”

Slowly, Potter smiled. “Good idea. We’re a good team.”

Severus remained distracted the rest of the evening. Why was the idea of teaming up with Potter so...appealing?

~

“Where’s Potter?” Severus snapped, storming into the infirmary.

Poppy ignored him, completing her diagnostic spells. “You’re fine, Harry. It was brave of you to catch that falling student, although perhaps the Wronski Feint is a bit advanced for third years?”

Potter flushed. “I did it at thirteen!” he protested.

Poppy snorted. “Everyone’s not as athletic as you.” She glanced towards Severus. “I believe you’ve a visitor.”

“You idiot!” Severus huffed. “Who teaches advanced Quidditch moves this early in term? Go back to basics first!”

Potter smiled, eyes sparkling. “Good advice. And nice to know you care, Professor.”

Severus froze. Damn.

~

Severus watched the new Triwizard champions gather to enter the Yule Ball. “At least we’ve only three to keep track of this round,” he murmured.

Potter sighed. “That wasn’t my idea.”

Severus’ smirk faded. He’d been teasing Potter since the new tournament had been announced. Potter generally accepted his ribbing with a wry smile. But tonight he’s on edge. “Is something wrong?”

Potter bit his lip, looking nervous. “Minerva wants me to open the Ball with them.”

“You can dance, I’ve seen you. Just go back to basics.”

“The problem’s not what, but who.” Potter touched his arm. “Join me?”

~

“You’re insane,” Severus hissed.

“Back to basics, isn’t that what you said?” Potter murmured as they moved on the dance floor.

“I’m a terrible dancer,” Severus growled.

“You’re brilliant.”

Severus sighed. Minerva was smiling, he hadn’t yet trod on Potter’s feet...Perhaps this is acceptable. “I can’t believe you invited me to open this dance with you! People may think we’re...involved.”

“Let’s hope! Otherwise my planning was all for nothing.”

“You planned--?”

“To invite you as my date, yes.” Potter looked nervous. “Minerva encouraged me. Angry?”

Severus paused. “No,” he purred. “You’re insane, not me.”

Potter beamed. “We’ll see.”

~

“Why?” Minerva asked, eyeing him.

Severus exhaled. “I just require more space for my things.”

She raised an eyebrow. “For Harry’s things you mean?”

Severus cleared his throat. “I never said--”

“Do you think I’m blind, deaf and dumb, Severus?” She smiled as he winced. “It was obvious to anyone with eyes that you and he were together ever since the Yule Ball. Now, shall we go back to basics? Why do you need your quarters expanded?”

“Harry is moving in.” Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “We need space.”

“Permission granted.” Minerva smiled. “Now, was that so difficult?”

~

“It’s been quite a year,” Harry murmured into Severus’ armpit.

Severus turned, kissing Harry’s ear. “Indeed.” He frowned. “What brought that on?”

Harry raised his head. “Today’s the anniversary of us getting our Orders of Merlin. If I hadn’t approached you that day, this...we might not have happened.”

“Why did you approach me?” Severus asked.

Harry smiled. “I wanted a fresh start with my life and I knew you were part of that. I knew that if I could go back to basics with you, everything would be fine.”

“And so it was,” Severus whispered.

Harry kissed him. “Indeed.”

~