Drabble: Fitting In

[alisanne]

Title: Fitting In
Author: alisanne
Character(s)/Pairing(s): Severus Snape/Harry Potter.
Challenge: Written for harry100/harry100's prompt #233: Misfit.
Rating: PG
Length: 100 x 5
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.


~

Fitting In

~

Harry stared into his porridge aimlessly. All around him couples were chatting softly. Since the war’s end it seemed as if everyone was determined to make up for lost time. Ron and Hermione were inseparable, Ginny and Neville were, too, and even Dean and Luna seemed to always be together. Everyone had someone. Except Harry.

Always the misfit, thought Harry, poking at his breakfast.

“You’re not the only one who’s feeling alone.”

Harry blinked, looking up to see Luna had settled beside him. Had he spoken aloud? “Huh?”

Luna nodded towards the Head Table. “Others could use company as well.”

~

When Harry looked, he frowned. The teachers were in their customary spots, all except Snape, who, it seemed, had been relegated to the very end of the table. No one else was near him. Apparently they were shunning him.

They’re making Snape into a misfit, too.

Standing up, Harry approached the Head Table. Ignoring McGonagall’s welcoming smile, he made a beeline for Snape. “Sir?”

Snape looked up. “Potter?”

Harry swallowed hard, aware that everyone was listening. “I never got a chance to thank you for saving me. Thank you.”

Snape blinked, then smiled faintly. “Indeed.” He stood. “Walk with me.”

~

Once outside, Snape gestured to a bench. They sat. “That wasn’t necessary,” he said.

Harry shrugged. “Looked like it was. And I know what it’s like to be a misfit.”

“Indeed.” Snape’s eyes searched his. Harry was the first to look away. “It was certainly...generous. Although I doubt it will make much difference. I cannot blame my colleagues for feeling slighted.”

“But you’re a hero! You were acquitted.”

“Also due to your tireless efforts,” Snape murmured. “I’m becoming more indebted.”

Harry blushed. “It’s okay.”

Snape hummed. “I pay my debts. Come by my office later.”

Harry smiled. “Yes, sir.”

~

Hesitant, Harry eyed Snape’s door. He’d been distracted all day, so much so that even Hermione, who hadn’t been noticing much but Ron for a while, had said something to him. “I’m fine,” he’d said when she’d asked.

But now he was nervous. How would things go with Snape? Would they be friends, like Harry hoped? Pacing, Harry pondered what was to come. We’re both misfits of sorts. Maybe we’ll have other things in common.

“Are you coming in or not?”

Wincing, Harry looked up to see the door open and Snape standing there. He nodded, smiling. “Yes.” Here goes.

~

“I can’t believe you’re staying here to teach,” said Hermione, hugging Harry. “I thought you wanted to be an Auror.”

“So did I,” replied Harry. “But I would’ve been a total misfit there.”

Drawing back, Hermione nodded. “I suppose so.” Her gaze darted towards Severus and she hummed. “Looks like you’ll fit in well enough here now, though.”

Harry blushed. “I will. Everything I want’s here.”

“As long as we’re always welcome to visit,” said Ron, approaching.

“Of course.” Harry hugged him, too, and as they left, he joined Severus. Hand in hand, they entered the castle. Life was good.

~

Comments

[mrs_sweetpeach]

This is quite wonderful. Having someone who really understands and likes you is a wonderful thing, and the love between them is so satisfying. Well done, alisanne!

[alisanne]

Thank you! Yes, it's important to have a partner who understands. *nods*

[elmyraemilie]

I like this. The view inside Harry's thoughts really rings true. Thank you!

[alisanne]

Thank you! What a lovely compliment. :)

[pekeleke]

Oh, lovely! I really liked the boldness of Harry's initial gesture because it is so typical of him to go ahead and say the words that may be hard to say, but are rightfully deserved, anyway. Severus had a very hard role to play in the war and he had the courage to carry it through. That kind of sacrifice should be properly recognized.

I liked the slow pace of this drabble and how understated but steady their relationship is here. It seems to start and grow almost in the shadows, becoming none the weaker because of it. It suits this versions of the boys, though, and that is all that matters. Beautifully told, ali. I had a great time reading this. :)

[alisanne]

Thank you, hon! As always, your kind words were much appreciated. :)
And yes, I see Harry as being very bold and quite tireless when he sees an injustice, so of course he would defend Severus.
Of course it didn't hurt that he was already beginning to find himself attracted... *g*
As for their relationship 'growing in the shadows', that's an apt description. As you've no doubt figured out by now, I am fond of having things happen behind the scenes when I can. :)
Thanks again!