InsaneJournal

Harry was searching for his Quidditch boots. He wasn’t sure why Severus felt the need to shove them to the very back of the cupboard. He was partial to Harry playing the famous Quidditch player every now and again, after all.

As Harry reached into the back of the wardrobe he felt wrapping paper beneath his fingers. He pulled out a large box wrapped in Slytherin green paper and chuckled as he read the card.

Potter
You already have ample presents you irritating little brat but here is another one. I believe I am getting soft in my old age. I rather hope this is something we can enjoy together.
S.

Harry shrunk the present into an appropriate size to pack in the bag he and Severus had planned to take to the Burrow. How very funny of Severus to keep one gift behind. It was likely horribly sentimental and Severus had not wanted to deal with Weasleys cooing all over him like he was a lovesick puppy.

It was fortunate that Harry knew the family well enough to know that such a gift would go down extremely well at the Burrow. The Weasleys had met the news of Harry’s new relationship with a mixed amount of curiosity and trepidation and Harry was determined to make sure that they understood just how much the relationship suited them both.

Harry looked out of the window of Severus’ bed chamber. The first snow of the morning had started to fall and the watery sunlight cast a pale light around the cosy room. Harry shivered a little as he remembered how Severus had woken him up that morning to wish him a very Merry Christmas.

“Merry Christmas, Sev.”

Harry whispered into the room fingering the gift he had just found with a small smile playing around his lips. Something about being with Severus after all of the years of arguing and fighting and bitterly hating the man made him feel utterly complete. Snape had risked his own life on numerous occasions to keep Harry safe. Sometimes when they shared a bottle of wine in the evening and the light from the fire cast shadows over Severus’ strong features, the Dark Mark stark against pale skin, exposed as Severus rolled the sleeves of his shirt up to the elbows, they would just watch one another.

Harry would grin and laugh and Severus would quirk an eyebrow, scowl and then allow the barest hint of a smile to touch his lips.

Harry always knew, in those moments, that it had always been Severus for him and it had always been Harry for Severus. He didn’t need sweet nothings and romantic declarations - he just needed the moments like that – watching one another with light from the cosy fire playing around their faces, warming the room.

The two professors would relish the silence and the comfort of not needing to say anything at all when looks and touches and whispered sighs could say so much more.

In those moments it was always just Harry and Severus.

“Oh do come on, Potter – stop dawdling!”

Startled from his daydreaming, Harry picked himself up from the floor and made his way to the door.

“Keep your hair on, Sev, I’m just coming.”

“Stop calling me Sev, Potter – if you persist on doing so I will have to start refusing to answer you…or hex you, I haven’t quite decided yet.”

Harry laughed and opened the door, casting one final look around the room and stuffing the present and his boots into the small bag which still had “Harry + Cho” scribbled by Ron somewhere on one of the straps. It was barely visible anymore and had faded with time.

Harry snorted as he closed the door behind him and saw Severus, tall and imposing in Muggle clothes, standing in the living room and waited for him with a frown on his face.

Cho Chang, indeed.

* * * * *
“Harry!”

Harry laughed as the door to the Burrow opened and he was immediately bundled into a warm embrace. Molly Weasley always smelt like home to Harry, like talc and delicious food and soap.

“Oh Merry Christmas, Harry – come in, come in. Welcome, Severus.” The look Molly gave Severus was not exactly cold but it wasn’t full of the usual warmth she bestowed on her guests either and Harry turned just in time to see Severus roll his eyes heavenward at the less than enthusiastic welcome.

“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Weasley. Thanks ever-so for having us. It’s going to be brilliant!” Harry ignored the soft snort he heard behind him.

“Welcome, Severus.” Arthur gave Severus a look which Harry didn’t appreciate in the slightest, and he found himself reaching for Severus’ hand and squeezing it gently. He received a tight squeeze back and caught the scowl out of the corner of his eye, before shrugging and releasing Severus’ hand with a grin.

Damn Severus and his ability to make Harry melt into a puddle, even when he was clearly unimpressed with the welcome he had received.

When they walked into the kitchen, Harry felt himself looking around the small room with wide eyes, before he was bundled into the arms of various Weasleys and Hermione. Everyone was speaking at once and the table was laden with festive food. A modest Christmas tree in the corner was covered with various decorations which looked as if they had been made by young Weasleys. A saucepan hovered over the stove and a spoon was stirring frantically to thicken bread sauce as the air crackled with the warmth and laughter of a large family Christmas.

When he was finally released, Harry made his way to the cramped table, Severus just behind him. Molly and Arthur had at least seated them together. Due to the fact the table was cramped and everyone was elbow-to-elbow, Harry could feel the distracting heat of Severus’ thigh next to his as he took his seat.

“Would you like stuffing, Harry?” Ron offered Harry the bowl and Harry felt Severus snicker beside him.

“You do so enjoy a good stuffing, Harry.”

The words had been whispered quietly in that low, sexy drawl that made Harry want to slide under the table, Weasleys be damned. Unfortunately Severus chose to whisper at exactly the same time Arthur called the table to order, commanding silence so they could all give thanks for their food.

Harry fought the ridiculous blush he could feel heating his cheeks as the table stilled with Severus’ words which carried easily in the small room.

Molly was frowning at Severus, while Arthur looked down at the turkey as if he wanted to be anywhere else. Ron’s drink spluttered across the white table cloth, as Hermione hit his arm lightly trying to hide her giggles. Charlie eyed Harry with no small amount of interest and Harry could feel Severus tense beside him as he registered the look Charlie was giving Harry.

“I certainly do. Could someone pass me some turkey? A leg would be good - I’m not really a breast man.”

Harry felt a warm hand squeeze his thigh and the gentle shake of Severus’ shoulders as he snickered quietly. Damn Snape. Now Harry was embarrassed and horny. Harry turned to look at Severus and as dark eyes met his own, he felt himself smile a broad, happy grin and leant in to kiss Severus on the cheek, ignoring the way the man stilled beneath his lips.

“Potter…”

Snape looked like he wanted to take Harry to bed or hex him and Harry knew that neither activity would be welcome at the Christmas dinner table. He smiled into a mouthful of delicious food and shrugged into the silence.

“Anyone want to pull my cracker?”

Harry’s approach obviously did the trick as the younger Weasleys began to laugh and Hermione shot Harry a wink across the table. Molly and Arthur still looked a little horrified, but as Harry felt the heat of Severus next to him he really couldn’t care less.

* * * * *
After the meal, which had been full of laughter and fun and a very warm hand on his thigh, Harry sat cross-legged on the floor, watching everyone open their gifts. He held his breath as Ron got down on his knee and proposed to Hermione and the subsequent kissing and cheering and crying when she said yes had made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Of course, that could have been the port.

When Harry opened his own gifts he felt as he always had when he was little, pulling another Weasley jumper over his head which Molly had so carefully knitted. Severus had his own Weasley jumper, haphazard wording ‘I ♥ Potions’ across the breast and he had nodded his thanks to Molly, folding the jumper beside him and stroking it with his hands. As Harry watched Severus open his presents he knew Severus felt as he did – wrapped in the warmth of a Christmas full of happiness and kind gestures. Money was not important, as many of the gifts were handmade, but each drew their own applause as the recipients grinned into the gift wrap and showed off their presents to the company gathered around the small tree.

Aside from the box Harry had found at the back of the wardrobe, Severus had bought Harry a small golden snitch. Through force of habit, Harry touched the snitch to his lips and noticed the wording ‘I open as required’ inscribed in the fastidious scrawl of Snape’s hand appear on its circumference.

“Sounds kind of kinky, Harry.” Fred joked as Harry held the little gold ball in his hands, the wings fluttering in his palm. He could feel the magic seeping from the snitch into his skin but when he looked at Severus, the glare he received told him not to ask any questions. He let the little ball hum in his hand, spreading warmth through his body and wanting to understand his gift but knowing he would have to wait.

“It’s just an ornament, brat.”

“Thank you.” Harry knew it was much more than that but he knew better than to ask in front of everyone.

Finally, Harry began to unwrap his final gift, the Slytherin green number which he had found in the back of the wardrobe that day. The paper revealed a box which Harry opened enthusiastically before looking inside with a squeak and quickly shutting the box again.

“You really are the most idiotic little twit, Potter.”

Severus had his head in his hands as Ron grabbed the box from Harry’s hands before Harry could stop him.

“What have you got there? Oh for the love of…!”

Harry knew exactly why Ron looked so green and why Severus was groaning into his hands as various Weasleys gathered round to observe Harry’s box of tricks. He wasn’t completely sure but from his quick glance in the box, Harry was almost positive there had been at least one dildo (in glittery green and silver), a pair of handcuffs and some sort of body paint, of the chocolate variety.

Harry looked around at the faces he loved so well and rubbed the back of his neck with what he hoped was a cheeky smile.

“Well, I will definitely look forward to New Year.”

For a moment the room stood still as Severus continued to shake his head into his hands.

“I suppose I should cancel the midnight floo visit?” Harry looked at Ron who smiled at his friend, shrugging his shoulders with a grin.

“Probably for the best, Ron.”

“Idiot.”

“More wine, anyone?” Molly topped up the glasses, blushing furiously.

Harry held out his glass and waiting for it to be topped up as he moved a little closer to the chair Severus was sitting on with what he hoped was a very apologetic look. He took one of the candy canes which Charlie offered him and began to suck on it with enthusiasm, hoping the suggestive licking and sucking might appease Severus.

“Walk, Potter. Now.”

“I’ll just grab this,” Harry reached out for the box Severus had bought him and was met with a horrified stare from Ron and a deep growl from Severus. Quickly putting his hand down again, Harry said, “I’ll just leave it here, then.”

“Yes, Potter, leave it. Let’s never speak of this again.”

Snape swept out of the room and with a grin at the assembled Weaselys, Harry followed.

* * * * *
“I open when required?”

Harry had finally caught up with Snape as he made long strides across the garden and they reached an area which seemed relatively secluded.

“Potter, the people in that room already see me as some sort of pervert, only you would be able to reinforce that opinion so spectacularly.”

Severus shook his head and pulled Harry into a kiss which left him breathless.

“Well you don’t seem so very cross.”

“Idiot.”

“So what does this do, exactly?” Harry held the snitch up in front of their eyes and waited as Severus shook his head.

“I didn’t expect you to kiss my snitch in front of everyone, Potter.” Severus scowled down at Harry who couldn’t hold back his laughter.

“Oh Severus, I think people would have been even more shocked than they are now if I had started kissing your snitch.” Harry looked up at Severus who was frowning down at him with the slight quirk of a smile. “So what does it do?”

“It’s supposed to keep you safe, you little fool.”

“How?” Harry looked curiously at the little ball in his hands and felt the magic humming against his skin, just as he had before. It felt like Severus.

“Just – keep it with you - at all times.”

“Okay. Brilliant.” Harry put the small golden ball into his pocket. He might have known Severus wouldn’t properly explain the gift because no doubt it would reveal far too much. He didn’t mind though, because he could feel the warm strength of Severus’ magic pulsing though his body and he understood.

Severus was keeping him safe again.

* * * * *
After too much food and wine, Harry’s head felt wonderfully fuzzy as he took off his clothes and snuggled into the warm double bed the Weasleys had kindly transfigured in the attic for Harry and Severus.

“It seems Mr. Weasley thinks of you as quite the eager little bottom, Potter.” Severus was taking off his clothes very slowly as Harry lay back on the small bed, watching the man disrobe with no small amount of pleasure. He was sure that Snape took his time undressing because he knew just how much it would drive Harry to distraction.

“Yes, well…he doesn’t really need to know the ins and outs of our relationship so to speak.” Harry smirked at his pun as Severus turned to him, quirking his eyebrow.

“I should think not.” Now fully disrobed, Severus approached the bed and slid under the duvet next to Harry, their bodies pressed tightly together in the small space.

“Why do you suppose people assume I always bottom?” Harry frowned at this as he shuffled even closer to Severus, letting his hand trail slowly under the patchwork quilt until he found just what he was looking for.

“I am taller…” Severus gasped a little as Harry tightened his grip a little and began to move his hand in slow, smooth glides. “I am older, I used to be your Professor and I am infinitely more intelligent than you – oh gods...”

At that comment Harry squeezed a little and bit down on Severus’ shoulder, in a particularly sensitive spot.

“So?”

“So it stands to reason people see me as the more…dominant partner.”

With a growl Severus flipped Harry onto his back and began to kiss Harry as if they only had hours to live. Whenever they had sex Severus always kissed Harry as if it might be their last time, with the same kind of dedicated force and passion he had invested into keeping Harry safe during the war. When Snape kissed like this Harry was more than happy to let himself be kissed, tangling his fingers in Severus’ hair and pulling their faces together, arching up into heat and deliciously firm muscles.

“I’m not sure quite why people would assume that, Severus - you being so very submissive...”

Harry’s words came with a laugh and a gasp as Severus continued his assault, kissing his way down Harry’s body with nips and another low growl as he splayed his large hands firmly on Harry’s thighs, spreading them a little further apart and pinning Harry very effectively into the mattress before Harry was engulfed in one smooth motion of wet heat.

“You had better not even think about coming, Potter, I want to be fucked tonight and you are going to need to put your back into it.” Severus came up from his task with a smirk and Harry laughed pulling Severus up so that they were face to face again.

“I suggest you stop doing that then, and let me fuck you.”

Harry watched Severus with fascination as he slid a lubricated finger into Severus, relishing in the tight heat. He loved seeing Severus like this – completely relaxed and without any of his usual inhibitions. Harry allowed another finger to join the first, kissing away the moan which Severus had tried to suppress.

“Any time today, Potter.” Severus started to thrust down on Harry’s fingers and Harry responded with a chuckle.

“You’re always so bloody impatient.”

“And you are always so bloody slow.”

“Merry Christmas, Sev.” Harry slid into the tight heat which always felt so fucking good and he kissed away any complaints about the use of the name ‘Sev’, making sure he was hitting the right spot.

“Fuck! Merry Christmas, Potter…”

* * * * *
“Orange juice, Harry?”

Ron refused to look at his friend as he poured Harry a small glass of orange juice. The table was quieter this morning. Severus was showering and it was just Ron, Hermione and Harry. Like old times.

“Perfect Ron, thanks.”

“Ummm…Harry?”

“Yep?” Harry began tucking in to a rather delicious sausage.

“Snape is a pretty powerful wizard, right?”

“Of course.” Harry continued his munching.

“Well you might want to remind him to use silencing charms…you know, next time you both come to stay.”

Harry let some of the sausage fall from his mouth as he stared at Ron.

“You heard?”

“Every word…” Ron grimaced. “It sounded like a very Merry Christmas.”

Harry picked his sausage back off his plate and winked at Ron.

“It certainly was.”