Secret Snarry Swap: FIC: Meet Me under the Mistletoe Title: Meet Me under the Mistletoe Author:maraudersaffair Other pairings/threesome: Charlie/Draco Rating: Explicit Word count: 3700 Content/Warning(s): Christmas fluff, smut, getting together, mistletoe kisses, post-Hogwarts Prompter/Prompt: No. 13 from MelindaGhost: December is fast approaching and Harry and his coupled up friends rent a cottage in a winter wonderland. It's a shame that Severus Snape of all people is their neighbour for the month, or is it? Summary: Harry and Severus fall in love at a Winter Wonderland. A/N: Thanks for reading!
The cosy scent of cashmere and plum drifted in the air. It mingled with the burning of the crackling fire. Harry lounged in front of the warmth, wrapped up in a fluffy blanket. He was having a wonderful holiday, but he couldn’t help but feel lonely.
Across the room, Charlie and Draco cuddled on a red and green settee, entirely enthralled in each other. They looked blissful. They looked sheltered, as if nothing bad could touch them if only they never let go of one another.
Harry ached to have a lover. A boyfriend. A husband. The problem was he couldn’t find someone who just treated him like a normal person. Every one of his love interests had thought of him as Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. Even Ginny had done this to a certain extent. Even Cho and Anthony and Blaise. It was a lonely existence, to be sure.
Sighing, Harry pushed himself to his feet, not letting go of the blanket. He trudged out to the snow-licked garden. Baby reindeer nibbled at the garland festooned along the fence. The reindeer weren’t real, most of the wild life wasn’t, but it was a fun illusion.
When Draco and Charlie had invited him to this Winter Wonderland, Harry had almost declined. Spending his holiday as a third wheel did not sound pleasant. Harry loved Christmas, however. He loved the pine trees and fairy lights and the Christmas crackers. He especially loved all the sweets.
So Harry had agreed to tag along, and it had been fun enough, tranquil enough, especially after Draco and Charlie agreed to utilise an army of silencing spells when they shagged. Harry did not want to hear that.
Everything was fine, everything was nice, but—
There was movement across the garden. It was the neighbour. A man. Black hair. A hooked nose. Gorgeous dark eyes.
Merlin, it was Severus Snape. His neighbour was Snape.
Harry stumbled forward, the snow drenching his socks and blanket.
*
Severus hadn’t a clue what he was doing in such an idiotic place. It had been Minvera’s idea. She had told him over and over that he deserved a proper holiday. You work too hard, you need to take some time for yourself. He snorted. At forty-two, he had never taken time for himself. Holidays were for rich fellows. They were for people with manors and servants. They were not for blokes from Cokeworth.
Still, after Minvera had made the reservations and had even booked the Portkey, Severus was forced to accept. And now he was somewhere in rural Scotland, surrounded by snow charms and adorable little reindeer, and—
“Snape?”
Severus gave an inelegant squawk and spun around. He blinked. Bloody Potter stood on the other side of the fence.
“Sorry,” Potter said quickly, his cheeks going pink. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Gathering himself, Severus growled, “You didn’t scare me. I was merely … caught off guard.”
“Right.” Now Potter was grinning, and it was … unnerving. Potter had never smiled at Severus like that.
Severus, unable to help himself, dragged his gaze up and down his body. “Did your shoes run away from you, Potter?”
“Ha ha.” His grin darkened a touch, becoming mischievous or … flirtatious. No, it couldn’t be. Severus was misreading him. “Mind if I jump the fence?”
“With your blanket and everything?” Severus answered dryly.
“Especially with my blanket.”
“If you must.”
Potter scrambled over the barrier. He was wearing a green Weasley jumper and comfortable trousers. The colour of the jumper made his eyes look even more stunning. They seemed to utterly glow.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Potter said. “Are you staying through Christmas?”
“Yes.”
Potter tried to peer through a window. “Are you staying here alone?”
“Of course.”
“How lovely.” Potter spared him another grin. “I’m staying with Draco and Charlie. It’s a bit … tight.”
“Draco and Charlie Weasley … they are dating, aren’t they?”
“Yeah.” Potter’s gaze roamed over his face. He seemed to be checking Severus’ reaction to this development.
Severus kept his expression blank. “Good for them.”
Potter softened, even leaning a little closer. “This is brilliant, just brilliant. You and me being neighbours.”
Severus looked away. He tried to hide his discomfort, his nervousness. He didn’t like Potter staring at him with his stunning eyes. He didn’t like Potter standing so close to him.
“You must be freezing,” Severus heard himself say.
Potter wiggled his toes in his wet socks. “Yeah … just a little. I left my wand in the house.”
Severus snorted. “Come inside. I’ll make you a mug of drinking chocolate.”
“Oh. Brilliant. Thank you.” Potter was trying to cover up his surprise.
Ignoring him, Severus ventured inside. His house smelled of orange and clove, and too late he remembered he was playing Christmas music on the wireless. Loud Christmas music. A flush heated his cheeks as he switched off the ruckus.
“You needn’t do that on my account,” Potter said, still wrapped in his blanket.
Severus Summoned a pot; then some cocoa, brown sugar, dark chocolate, and, of course, squirty cream. He put his back to Potter as he made the chocolate drink. He hadn’t a clue what to say to the younger man.
Still, he felt Potter’s eyes. They were burning a hole into him.
“You own an apothecary now,” Potter said.
“And you are an established Auror. Are we reciting the events of each other’s lives?”
“Well, we could. Shall I start?” He cleared his throat. “It all began on a hot summer day in 1980 …”
Severus shot him a very annoyed look. This just made Potter laugh. Potter was sitting on the counter, like a barbarian. And perhaps he was one. Petunia Evans had raised him, after all.
When the drinking chocolate was done, Severus handed Potter his steaming mug. Potter cupped it gratefully between two palms and took a deep sip. A bit of squirty cream got on his nose.
“Oh, yum,” Potter sighed.
Without saying anything, Severus reached out and brushed his nose clean. Potter’s eyes widened.
“What was that for?”
“You had squirty cream …” Severus motioned vaguely. He was blushing and couldn’t hide it.
Potter was still staring at him. “Thank you.”
Severus busied himself with drinking his own chocolate. He hadn’t a clue what else to say. Why had he invited Potter inside again?
“What are you—”
“Your socks!” Severus said loudly. “You should sit by the fire, dry them. There’s spells, of course, but warming them by the fire will be more pleasant.”
“Oh, yeah. Good idea.” Potter remained on the counter.
“Come along, then.” Severus headed for the fireplace, feeling very much like a teacher. Potter followed hesitantly. The fire was crackling, throwing wonderful, wonderful heat. “Here,” Severus said, positioning a chair right in front of the warmth. “Please sit down.”
Potter did what he was told. Then he stretched his feet, setting his toes as close as possible to the hearth. “Brilliant,” he murmured, wiggling his toes in appreciation.
Severus took up another chair. He sneaked glances at the younger man. He couldn’t believe they were together like this. Severus used to hate Potter. Despise him. Potter used to want him dead. Now they were enjoying mugs of chocolate in front of a cosy fire.
“I wanted to head into town tomorrow,” Potter said carefully. “Would you like to join me?”
“And do what exactly?”
Potter thought about it. “Well … I think I would fancy a bit of ice skating … perhaps a sleigh ride. What do you think?”
“Ice skating?” Severus knew he looked horrified.
“Or maybe something different!”
“I will go into town with you. I cannot promise that I will put on bloody skates and make a fool of myself.”
Potter smiled again. He looked radiant. He was so beautiful it hurt to look at him.
Dragging his gaze away, Severus finished his chocolate, not saying anything. The silence stretched between them.
“I guess I’ll take myself back to my house,” Potter said, standing.
Severus stood and took his empty mug from him. “I shall see you tomorrow, then.”
“Yes,” Potter said, leaning close. For a frightening moment, Severus thought he would be kissed, but Potter just gave his shoulder a tender squeeze.
A few moments later, Potter and his blanket were gone, and Severus was left in the quiet house, holding two empty mugs.
*
The next day, Harry and Severus met in the town centre. The town was set on a hill, walled-in, with a charming collection of Tudor and Georgian buildings. The cobbled streets had steep twists and turns, all the old windows along the way sparkling with cheerful candlelight.
Thankfully, where they stood was level enough for an ice rink, a grand Christmas tree, and a collection of cosy seating options.
“Let’s see,” Harry said, looking over the day’s list of activities. “Are you interested in building a gingerbread house?”
“Absolutely not.”
“All right … How about a Christmas baking class?”
“Perhaps later.”
“Will you go ice skating with me?” Harry bit his lip.
Snape looked entirely unconvinced. “Well … okay.” He blinked. It seemed he was shocked by his own answer.
Beaming, Harry took his hands and guided him to the edge of the ice. They Spelled on skates, then, like fawn learning to walk, teetered out onto the cool expanse.
Harry took to skating almost immediately, but Snape struggled to just balance himself. Harry grabbed his wrists, guiding him again, and they slowly made their way around the circle.
“Yeah?” Harry asked.
Snape shot him a panicked look. “I haven’t felt this humiliated since I attempted to ride a broom in first year.”
“You’re doing brilliant.” Harry took in his flushed cheeks, the bright sheen to his dark eyes. In truth, Snape looked lovely, so lovely. And Harry had to say it. “You look beautiful right now.”
“What?” Snape stumbled, his legs thrashing. He crashed to the ice, taking Harry with him.
Harry landed on top of him. For a moment, Snape lay there with his eyes closed, breathing harshly. Then that dark gaze fluttered open.
“Hi,” Harry whispered.
“You’re on top of me.”
“Do you want me to move?”
Snape blinked. No, said his expression.
“Are you hurt?”
“No.” Then, softer: “Maybe.”
Harry rolled to his feet and offered Snape his hand. After some hesitation, Snape took a hold of him and let himself be slowly helped to his feet. To make sure Snape didn’t fall again, Harry pulled him close, one arm wrapping around his waist. Snape’s skin burned through his jumper, and his body felt firm and lean.
Together, they wobbled their way off the ice to a bench under a snow-licked tree. Harry helped Snape ease down to his seat. They Spelled off the skates.
“Shall I cast some diagnostic spells on you? Make sure you didn’t break anything?”
“I’m fine, Potter.”
Harry nodded and joined him on the bench. They sat in amicable silence for a while.
“You said I looked beautiful,” Snape murmured.
Harry felt his cheeks grow hot. “Yeah, I did. I hope I didn’t make you feel … weird. Uncomfortable.”
“You didn’t.” Snape had his head tilted down, his hair falling in a curtain over his face. “I’m an old man, Potter.”
“No, you’re not!”
“I’m old and I don’t want to play games.”
Harry stared at him, even though he couldn’t see his expression. “I don’t want to play games, either,” he whispered.
“Do you mean to flirt with me?” Snape’s voice came out harsh, accusatory, and still he didn’t raise his head.
“Yes,” Harry breathed.
Snape shot up in his seat. His eyes were wide—and shocked. “What?”
Harry couldn’t help but laugh. “I am trying to flirt with you. I think you’re very fit. And I’ve been rather taken with you since I stumbled on you yesterday.”
“Yesterday,” Snape grumbled. “A quick, fleeting fancy, you mean.”
Leaning closer, he said, “I thought you were fit even back in Hogwarts. I didn’t know it at the time, of course. I didn’t understand there was a fine line between hate and desire. I burned with hatred for you … it was only later, once I made some other discoveries about myself, that I realised what it meant.”
“I hated you as well.” Snape was looking at him now, his eyes dark and tender. Somehow he managed to look a bit shy. Harry never thought he’d ever see such an expression on Professor Snape’s face.
“Do you still hate me?” Harry was so close now. Close enough for a kiss.
“No.” Snape stared at his mouth.
“What do you want to do now?” His voice was a sensual murmur. He wanted Snape to lean in and kiss him. Steal a taste. He knew Snape had it in him.
Shuddering, Snape drew back. “Let’s build your damn gingerbread house.”
Harry laughed. “I don’t want to force you!”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You could never force me to do anything. Now let’s go make this stupid little house.”
They left the bench and drifted over to a charming building with frosted windows and dripping icicles lining the eaves. Inside, the building looked like an old-timey workshop where things like wooden horses were made. The air smelled of ginger and sugar, and it made Harry’s mouth water.
“Here to build yourselves a house?” said a charming witch.
“Yes, thank you!” Harry answered.
The witch led them over to a table with comfy chairs and about a million different edible decorations. It was all pretty straight forward, so the witch left them to get started.
Snape took out his wand. “This will take no time at all.”
“No!” Harry cried. “We couldn’t possibly use magic. It would ruin all the fun.”
Snape raised a dark eyebrow.
“We mustn’t use magic. It would be entirely too easy. Let’s use our hands.”
“All right,” Snape said, and he began to take quick measurements of the different pieces of gingerbread at their disposal. His hands looked really nice as they worked.
They made mortar out of thick icing. Harry couldn’t help but lick the sugar from his skin and he noticed how Snape’s dark eyes tracked the movement of his mouth and tongue and sticky, sticky fingers.
It took them a bit of effort, but using the mortar and the gingerbread, they created a single level house with a charming little garden. Harry sprinkled shredded coconut around the house for the snow as Snape began applying little chocolates to the trim with utmost care.
Harry picked up a glistening red gumdrop. “Any guesses on its flavour?”
Snape arched an eyebrow. “Does it matter?”
“Sure, it matters. Cherry is quite different from, say, strawberry.”
“It could also be raspberry.”
“Right.” Then: “How about you give it a taste? Find out for the both of us.”
Now both of Snape’s eyebrows were raised. “Is that a challenge I hear in your voice?”
Harry smiled innocently. “Of course.”
Staring into his eyes, Snape leaned down as Harry brought his hand up, offering the gumdrop. Snape took the sweet into his mouth, biting delicately. He continued to stare at Harry as he chewed.
“Well?” Harry suddenly felt hot all over.
“Strawberry.”
When they were all done, their charming little gingerbread house stood up all on its own. Harry eyed their construction hungrily.
“Don’t even think about it,” Snape growled.
“It just looks so delicious.”
“I’ll buy you some sweets in the shop across the way.”
Sighing dramatically, Harry got to his feet. The helpful witch asked if they wanted to keep their gingerbread house. “No, that’s all right. You can use it as a display or something.”
“Brilliant!”
They left and ventured outside in the glittering nose. “What’s next?” Snape asked.
Harry pondered their options. “Oh, I know! A sleigh ride.”
Snape nodded approvingly.
A few minutes later, they were on a sleigh, dashing through the snow. It was a lovely experience, the cold air brushing Harry’s cheeks, Snape’s warm body pressed to him.
They left the town and rode through cheerful trees. The scent of pine and soil hit Harry’s nose. He laughed and breathed in deeply.
“You’re enjoying yourself,” Snape said, grinning.
“Yeah!”
*
After their ride, Severus and Potter made their way back to the town centre. Severus’ hands were eager to touch Potter all over his body. They wandered into a charming cafe and ordered festive drinks that tasted of chocolate and orange.
“I’m having such a great time,” Potter murmured, his eyes twinkling.
“Good.”
Potter bit his lip and looked down. “I was so lonely before I ran into you. Charlie and Draco are lovely, but it’s no fun being the third wheel.”
“You’re too attractive to be lonely.” Severus felt his cheeks warm. He had said too much.
“Snape,” Potter said, blushing as well. Then: “You are very attractive as well.”
Severus tipped his head back and laughed. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Potter.”
“Nowhere?” Potter said suggestively. He leaned in. “Are you sure?”
“Well … what do you have in mind?”
“Loads of things, Snape. Severus. Do you mind if I call you Severus?”
“I don’t mind.”
They beamed at each other.
After they finished their drinks, they stood and wandered to the door, but Potter stopped and grabbed his shoulder.
“Look up,” Potter said.
They stood under mistletoe. A fresh, green scent drifted in the air.
“Kiss me,” Potter murmured, standing so close. “It’s only right.”
Severus leaned in. Their lips brushed, cold and hot mingling together. Potter tasted of chocolate and orange. His mouth was burning. It was its own little furnace.
Potter, as if committed to utterly ruining Severus, whimpered and arched. Severus wrapped his arms around him, giving into the urge to shelter him, to bring him close, so close. Without even thinking about it, Severus deepened the kiss, finding Potter’s tongue with his, stroking so carefully.
Fuck, Potter tasted good. And he felt good, so good.
Severus pulled away before he did anything too inappropriate. He looked around quickly, hoping no one was spying on them.
“Take me home,” Potter said, still trying to arch into him.
“Okay,” he heard himself answer. His heart was pounding.
It took them entirely too long to reach his rented house. The snow fell heavily as Severus opened the front door.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Severus asked.
“Yeah.”
They ventured into the lounge. Severus raised his wand to light the fire, but Potter put a hand on his wrist.
“Take me up to your room.”
Severus smirked. “Impatient, are we?”
“Definitely. I’ve wanted you since I saw you yesterday.”
Severus dragged a thumb over his cheek. “Not earlier? Perhaps you thought of it once you discovered things?”
Potter gnawed his bottom lip. “Maybe earlier.”
Severus took his hand and drew him upstairs.
The bedroom upstairs was entirely too cheerful. There was a reindeer pattern on the duvet and dramatic paintings of Santa on the walls.
“Hot,” Potter said as he eyed the paintings. “Seeing Santa on his sleigh really puts me in the mood.”
“Hush, you.” Severus urged him onto the bed. He kissed Potter, silencing his laughter. He kissed him again and again, stealing his breath, then his mouth dipped down to his throat.
Potter moaned and arched. “I want you inside me.”
“Yes, Potter.”
“Please—call me Harry.”
Growling, Severus dragged off their clothes. Potter’s body was hot and lean and perfect. Severus put his mouth all over him, tasting greedily. Then he wrapped a firm hand around his cock, stroking and stroking.
“God, Severus.”
“Do you want me to fuck you now?” Severus murmured hotly.
“Yes!”
“Do you need me to prepare you or—”
“No, just cast a lube spell. I can take you, I promise.”
Severus groaned and cast that spell, getting them both wet. He got into position, his cockhead poised at Potter’s hole. “Are you sure?” he said silkily. “I’m quite big, you know. Big and thick.”
“I’ve always enjoyed a challenge.” Potter arched needily.
Holding onto his hips, Severus speared him open. He watched Potter’s expression as he entered him. Potter’s mouth dropped open, his eyes fluttering behind his glasses. When Severus was all the way inside, he paused and kissed Potter. “All right?” he whispered.
“Yes,” Potter whimpered.
Groaning again, Severus pulled out, then pushed back in. He went slowly at first, letting Potter get used to the intrusion. Then he fell into a pounding rhythm.
“Yes! Take me!”
“Harry,” Severus gasped, fucking him over and over. It had been too long since he’d been inside another person. He had also been lonely, so lonely, but now he was inside a beautiful young man. He was inside Harry Potter.
Potter stroked himself quickly. “You’re making me come,” he whimpered. “Harder, please. Oh—please.”
Severus gritted his teeth and fucked him harder. Potter stiffened beneath him, his cock spilling between them.
“Fuck,” Severus said, coming as well. He thrust and thrust, wanting his seed to be as deep as possible inside Potter.
After a few moments, still breathing rapidly, Severus pulled out and rolled over. He was floating on pleasure. He couldn’t stop smiling.
“That was brilliant,” Potter murmured, curling around him. Then: “You are a dream come true.”
“Nonsense,” Severus chuckled.
“A Christmas dream come true.”
“You are being ridiculous.”
Potter sighed happily and snuggled closer. He played with a bit of his chest hair for a few minutes. “By the way, what do you want for Christmas? I must get you something.”
“The only thing I want is to fuck this tight arse again.” Growling, Severus rolled them over and kissed him. He thrust, wanting to wake up both of their cocks.
Potter laughed, then moaned. He widened his thighs, welcoming Severus. “Yes, please,” he whispered.
Happy Christmas to me, Severus thought as he entered Potter again, using his own semen as lubrication.