InsaneJournal

FIC: Whiter Than White
Title: Whiter Than White
Author: torino10154
Pairing: Severus/Harry, mention of Severus's past relationship
Word Count: 582
Rating: PG
Warning: Some DH Spoilers.
Disclaimer: Not mine. They belong to JKR.
Summary: Harry visits Severus unannounced.
A/N: Unbeta’d. I meant this to be funny. It just didn’t turn out that way. For this weeks hp_prompts-“doing something unexpected”
ETA: Thanks especially to gryffindorj for helping me work out the idea (or better for coming up with it and holding my hand only letting go when it was time to write the thing).

Harry walked towards Hogwarts with a spring in his step. His duties as an Auror rarely seemed to bring him to Scotland these days, let alone Hogwarts itself. But his most recent assignment had been in Hogsmeade, Aberforth making himself useful not to the Ministry per se but to Harry. After he’d wrapped up his obligations he bid his team good night and couldn’t wait to surprise Severus.

They had only been together for a very short time. He wasn’t even sure Severus considered them “together.” He’d promised to take their relationship at Snape’s speed. They had gotten to know each other better in a platonic way at first. They shared an interest in some Muggle literature and their taste in music overlapped surprisingly. Harry tried to press for a real date but Severus still resisted him for over six months.

Harry did understand. Severus had been hurt before. Spectacularly. And by Harry’s own mother no less. It was a lot to take in. But Harry persisted. He knew he was a lot like Lily and hoped to show Severus the affection she never quite managed to give him.

Severus had finally agreed to go on a proper date two months before. They had gone to dinner, the movies, the theater. Finally Severus allowed Harry to kiss him rather chastely on the lips. Although Harry was hardly a teenager, he was becoming frustrated waiting. But he’d promised no pressure and intended to keep his word come hell or high water.

Severus had changed after Voldemort’s defeat. He wasn’t exactly happy, but he wasn’t permanently cross. He smiled on occasion. His eyes weren’t the dead dark tunnels Harry remembered. Even his skin, teeth, and hair had improved. Or maybe it was just that Harry saw him in a new light. He really couldn’t say for sure.

When he reached the castle doors, there was no one to be found. He knew he was always welcome at Hogwarts as the great hero. But that wasn’t what mattered to him. He wanted Severus’s welcome-into his arms, into his heart, into his-never mind about that, Harry thought as he adjusted himself and praised the gods for heavy robes.

Making his way into the dungeons, he ran into the Bloody Baron.

“Where are you off to young Gryffindor?” the Baron asked as he blocked the way down the stairs.

“I’m here to see Professor Snape,” Harry replied.

“Is he expecting you?”

“Uh, no. Not exactly,” Harry stammered.

“But you are welcome, therefore you may pass,” the Baron responded cryptically and floated off toward Ravenclaw Tower.

Not fully understanding what the Baron was on about, Harry made his way to Snape’s quarters. He raised his hand to knock but a light shimmered and then the door opened slowly. The wards were set to admit him. Harry’s heart pounded in his chest. Maybe he was finally making progress with Severus after all.

Harry called out Severus’s name as he closed the door. The room was dimly lit however he saw a brighter light coming from the bathroom. The door was ajar and Harry could see that Severus had his sleeves rolled up past his elbows and he was washing something in the sink. Harry recognized the smell of bleach immediately as Aunt Petunia had made him clean often enough.

“Severus?” Harry said as he entered the bathroom.

Snape whipped around, two spots of color blossoming on his pale cheeks. In his hands were several pairs of bleached white briefs.