alisanne (alisanne) wrote in snarry100, @ 2006-09-11 09:03:00 |
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Original poster: dracofiend
Title: Impulse
Author: dracofiend
Rating: G
Word Count: 4.88x100
Challenge #22: Back to School
Warnings: None
A/N: Sequel to Revelation, because you gorgeous readers asked for it. :)
"Your cousin." Severus spoke abruptly, breaking the awkward silence. He didn't lift his gaze from the fire. "He's taken an interest in the wizarding world? I find that rather incredible, given his past behavior toward you."
Potter looked up quickly, but Severus didn't turn. "Oh," said the boy, sounding surprised. "Well. The Dursleys had a change of heart about magic." Severus glanced sideways and saw Potter grimace into his glass. "They saw the light."
"After some...persuasion?" Severus took a sip, still looking at Potter.
"No," Potter answered sharply. "I meant they saw the light, literally. Came from my wand. Deflected a Death Eater's curse, aimed right for Dudley."
"Not the world's most difficult target," Severus murmured.
Potter smiled a little. "Actually, he got quite a bit fitter after that."
"Why?" Severus snorted. "Can't outrun a curse. Or beat it senseless."
The boy shrugged, grinning now. "Made him feel better, I guess. And who knows? Maybe he would've put a dent in one of the giants or something."
Severus arched a brow, to extravagant heights. Potter laughed.
Severus wouldn't have noticed the clock chiming twelve, but when it did, Potter glanced at its face with a start.
"I should go," he said, turning back to Severus apologetically.
Severus disagreed. "Yes," he said aloud, putting down his glass.
Potter rose, setting his glass down too. "Thanks for inviting me. This was...fun." He smiled, a bit shyly, which was strange.
Severus liked it.
He got up to retrieve Potter's cloak.
Potter was fastening the clasp and facing the door when he suddenly spoke again. "Uh, before I go." He looked up, over his shoulder. "Would you...want to come over for dinner sometime?"
Severus stared, surprised.
"Or we could go out," Potter added hurriedly. "Whatever you like. Or--we don't even have to, of course, I know you're busy...
"I am," Severus answered bluntly. Potter's face went blank. "Right," he mumbled, reaching for the doorknob.
"But if Saturday after next suits you, perhaps a few hours, in the evening..."
Potter turned, grinning widely. "Yeah? Great! Saturday--two weeks from now. Fantastic. Brilliant." He gripped the doorknob and swung the door free, disappearing over the threshold. Severus moved to shut it.
"I--" Lips were at his throat as Potter returned, unexpectedly. The boy jumped, glancing up.
Severus gazed down. Tiptoes, he realized. Potter would always need tiptoes.
"Did you--" Potter swallowed. "Did you want to come to my flat, or...?"
Potter hadn't stepped back, and for a fleeting, infintesimal second, Severus considered the virtues of impulse.
"Whichever you prefer," Severus replied, easing from the door.
"Okay," the boy said, after too long a moment. "I'll--think about it. Night, Professor." He leaned forward slightly, gazing at Severus, then left, pulling the door shut.
Disappointment, in Potter's eyes. Next time, Severus decided, there wouldn't be.