Re: Harry and Severus
It was a fair question, and Severus spent some time wondering how to pin the ineffable down in words.
Fortunately, he'd seen the covert gestures with which Harry had cast anti-eavesdropping charms before asking, or else he would never have contemplated answering at all.
At last, he murmured "Experience was never high on my list of priorities. To be perfectly honest," he confessed quietly, gaze fixed on Harry's face, searching it intently for any flickers of amusement or pity, "my own actual experience is not extensive."
"As for Al, he is..." Severus' voice trailed off, and his gaze drifted away from Harry, growing distant, lost in thought. A tiny, inward smile dawned, just for a moment, then he returned to himself, bringing a word with him, "...unique. A fountain of surprises and insights, an utterly original outlook. Yet he and I share so many interests and likes: research, reading, learning." A reminiscent huff of a laugh, "Even the owls."
His voice was so quiet it was barely above a whisper. "He believes in me, and I cherish him. He trusts me with his life, and I trust him with mine. When I am with him, I'm a better person. Just the sight of him brings me joy.