InsaneJournal

New Beginnings by Torina Archelda
Title: New Beginnings
Author: torina_archelda
Pairing: Severus/Lucius, possible Severus/Harry
Rating: G
Word Count: 350
Warnings: none
Theme: Love and Courtship
Prompt: What’s love got to do with it?
Summary: Harry helps Severus when he’s in need.
A/N: Bad fic is bad. I was interrupted several times while writing it, and I think I lost the flow. Ah well—couldn’t let the challenge pass by without trying to commemorate it ^^


“Potter.”

Harry blinked. “Severus.” He opened the door a bit wider, eyes flitting to the suitcase by Severus’ feet. “Please, come in.”

Severus hesitated. “I...should perhaps not have bothered you. I—”

“Nonsense,” Harry replied, stepping back and gesturing Severus through. “If you can’t come to me, who can you come to?”

They had worked together long enough that Harry could recognize the small flicker in Severus’ eyes as relief. He grasped Severus’ arm as he walked through the door, and was surprised to feel a slight tremor shaking him. What could upset Severus this much?

***
An hour and a half later Severus had two cups of tea in him and the nearly-imperceptible shaking had stopped.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Harry asked softly, refilling Severus’ cup. He’d gathered that Severus needed to stay with him for a while, but hadn’t ascertained the cause.

Severus stared at his tea for several long moments before replying. “Lucius and I are having…difficulties.”

“Ah. Well,” Harry said, smiling gently at Severus, “no one ever said love was easy. You’re more than welcome to stay here as long as you need. You’ve been together what—three years? I can understand needing time away from each other, especially after a fight.”

Severus frowned slightly but managed to meet Harry’s eyes. “I do not believe I will be going back to him,” he said at last.

“Oh,” Harry said, startled. “Oh.” He paused, then smiled as brightly as he felt appropriate under the circumstances. “Well, you’re still welcome here as long as you like. However long it takes you to get back on your feet.”

Harry stood and grabbed hold of the tea tray, walking toward the kitchen to give Severus a moment of privacy.

“Potter—Harry,” Severus called at his retreating form. Harry paused and turned, bright green eyes meeting his own with tenderness Severus couldn’t remember ever having seen directed at him. “Thank you.”

The brilliance of Potter’s smile was worth the concession. “You’re welcome,” he replied, turning back toward the kitchen.

For the first time in nearly three years, Severus truly smiled.