alisanne

Title: Seeing the Light
Author:

alisanne
Pairing: Severus Snape/Harry Potter.
Rating: PG
Challenge: Written for

snape100/

snape100's prompt #522: Snape and the Deluminator.
Word Count: 100 x 7
Warnings: None.
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.

~

Seeing the Light

~

That Severus survives the war is a surprise to him. That Potter wants to visit during his recovery, even more so.

Potter brings Granger and Weasley, and all four of them chat stiltedly. Severus isn’t sure what Potter wants from him. In the end it’s Weasley who enlightens Severus.

“Here,” he says once Potter and Granger have started for the door. He hands Severus something. “This helped me see clearly when I was in the dark. Maybe it’ll help you see clearly, too.”

Once he’s alone, Severus examines the item. It’s Albus’ Deluminator. Snorting, Severus slips it into his pocket.

~

The trial proceeds as Severus expected with only one difference. He’s acquitted. That he ascribes to Potter, who somehow persuades every student who attended Hogwarts during his tenure as Headmaster to testify on his behalf.

To Severus’ surprise, the Wizengamot not only sets him free, but commends him for his service. “You deserve an Order of Merlin,” says the Chief Mugwump.

Potter, of course, is there. “You need someplace to stay, don’t you?” he says, leading Severus out.

Normally suspicious, Severus caresses the Deluminator and is somehow reassured. “Indeed,” he says. “I do.”

Potter smiles. “I know just the place.”

~

Grimmauld Place remains dismal despite Potter’s renovations. With Severus’ knowledge of Dark Arts, however, he proves invaluable to clearing the place.

Potter refuses his offers to pay rent. “We’re friends,” he says. “Friends help each other.”

Severus enjoys the work. It’s noticed, and Bill Weasley pulls him aside one day, offers him a job. “You’re a natural Curse-Breaker. I can put in a good word at Gringotts.”

Where normally Severus would be suspicious, he finds the Deluminator helps him sense sincerity. “I’d appreciate that,” he says.

Life is good. Now all he needs to sort are his feelings for Potter.

~

The Deluminator displays other properties over time. Severus knows it can absorb light, and can sense a speaker’s sincerity, but one day as he’s cataloguing the last of Grimmauld Place’s Dark items, it vibrates. Picking it up, he hears distant voices.

Puzzled, Severus searches the house, finding he’s alone. Potter’s off testifying for the Malfoys.

Severus listens.

“...tell Snape how you feel, Harry.”

“I can’t, Hermione. He’d feel obligated to leave and I love living with him. Even if I can’t have him.”

Blinking, Severus drops the Deluminator into his pocket and purses his lips. It’s time to take action.

~

When Harry arrives, everything’s ready. “Wow,” he breathes, surveying the scene. “What’s the occasion?”

Severus, who’s prepared an intimate dinner for two, relaxes. “It seemed fitting. You’re allowing me to stay here, after all.”

Harry’s smile dims. “You’re not obligated--”

“I wanted to do it.”

Harry blinks. “You did?”

Severus hums. “I’d hardly do it otherwise, Harry.”

Harry beams. “Brilliant.” He pauses. “Severus.”

Warmth pours from the Deluminator, urging Severus to move closer. It’s the right move since Harry turns towards him, leaning in. “Thank you,” he whispers, and as his lips touch Severus’, all is right in the world.

~

“Harry?”

Granger’s voice is intrusive and Harry’s muttered curse expresses Severus’ feelings on the interruption. “She has terrible timing,” he groans, shifting away from Severus to turn towards the Floo.

“He may not be home, Hermione,” says Weasley.

“I see lights.”

Slowly Severus smiles. “Not for long,” he murmurs. He flicks the Deluminator, plunging the room into darkness.

“Looks pretty dark to me, actually.” Weasley sounds amused.

As the Floo closes, Harry shifts closer to Severus. “Quick thinking.”

“I try.”

Harry chuckles. “Let’s leave the lights off the rest of the night, too, since we won’t need them.”

“Excellent thinking.”

~

Scanning the Burrow, Severus spots Ronald. He pauses. He and Harry have been together for months, yet he’s not repaid Ronald’s kindness. It galls.

“Okay?” murmurs Harry, sidling closer.

“Naturally. Why?”

“Just checking.” He hums. “Shame about George.”

“What?”

“Ron’s worried. He’s...withdrawn.”

Severus eyes George. “Oh?”

“Everyone’s trying to get him out of his shell, but he can’t see the light.”

As Harry greets Granger, Severus ponders. Perhaps there’s one way to repay Ronald. Squaring his shoulders, he approaches George. “Mr Weasley,” he says, fingering the Deluminator in his pocket. “I believe I’ve have something that can help you--”

~