Where Severus Accepts An Invitation.
Chapter 10 of 13
neelix'If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.'
~ Michel de Montaigne ~
Harry
It's been two weeks since Hermione's visit, and it's all I've been able to think about.
I took the coward's way out and took a few weeks off until I could be sure Harriet was well and back at home with her parents. Separating my feelings for Severus from my professional duties was becoming impossible.
I'm desperate to see him, to have his dark eyes glance in my direction and have my existence acknowledged. Actually, I want to do more than see him, but I won't get my hopes up. The trouble is, ever since Hermione left I've been doing just that. I choose to believe her when she said he loved me and possibly still does, because hope has always been my Achilles Heel. My imagination has Severus doing all sorts of things that I haven't thought about in years, and yet I thought I was over him.
So, I need to make the first move. I know Hermione was right on that score. I just don't know that I could bear to be rejected by him again. But then, he held my hand, didn't he? He touched me, and spoke my name, and his eyes looked into mine for longer than they needed to. I wasn't imagining all of that, but I've been staring at this sheet of parchment for over an hour now and I still have no idea what to say.
Time and time again I wonder why I'm putting myself through this agony. Then my thoughts go back to Hogwarts, and those precious hours when we were alone together. Sometimes we would talk, and at other times there was comfortable quietness while he marked papers and I would read. That all changed after the kiss. He changed the wards so I couldn't just walk into his quarters and there were no more opportunities to take it further. But I didn't imagine him kissing me back, or the delicious sounds his made when my tongue found his.
This is ridiculous. He can't ignore me if I'm right in front of him, can he?
***
Severus
We rarely get visitors. If someone knocks on the front door, it's usually a Muggle doing a survey or canvassing for votes, and they never stay long or call back another day. I give them my Professor Snape glare and they scarper. I find it amusing. So I'm ready with my usual glare, but not ready when I open the door to find Harry Potter standing on the doorstep.
He doesn't give me chance to speak but waves a paper bag at me and says something about a gift for Happy. Before I can respond and tell him to bugger off, Happy has heard his voice and my heart sinks.
'Uncle Harry!' She pushes her slim frame past my legs, and I feel jealousy consume me as she throws her arms around his waist and he laughs, hugging her back gently.
'You look much better, Harriet,' he says, his green eyes sparkling. His smile is so wide; he's flashing his perfect teeth.
'I am very well, thank you,' she replies, and I'm absurdly proud of her politeness.
We stand at the threshold, and there is an awkward moment when Happy looks from him to me and we're both numbly looking at each other and not her. I realise, belatedly, that she is holding his hand tightly. I should have guessed what was coming.
'Daddy, can Uncle Harry come in? I want him to see my room, and we could have tea?'
'You are meant to be studying,' I say, but I know I've already lost this battle. Her face is alight with excitement because we so rarely have guests, and here is the most special of all visitors. I can deny her nothing. I wouldn't crush her spirit, not now, not ever.
'I don't want to intrude,' he says, but I see his face fall in disappointment. Despite my resolve, I don't want to crush him, either. I want him to stay.
'Perhaps you should take a break, Happy. I don't want you to work too hard so soon after your illness. I'll make some tea.'
I turn away before I can change my mind, but as the door closes and I hear Happy chatting away behind me, I feel acutely aware that Harry is in my home. I walk immediately to the kitchen and busy myself with making tea. The blue ceramic tea pot was a Christmas gift from Happy because she knows how much I love tea. The matching mugs came the month after, for my birthday. They have sat on the shelf, unused but much loved, until today. I don't want to look too closely at why I'm breaking out the best china, or why my stomach is turning over.
Overhead, I can hear footfalls as Happy and Harry walk across her bedroom floor. I listen closely, and now I can hear Happy's girlish giggles, followed by deeper laughter, and then more footsteps as they leave the room and make their way downstairs.
I pull out a pack of chocolate biscuits, just so that I'm occupied when they come into the room. I'm aware at how ridiculous it is to feel like this in my own home, but I was unprepared for him to be here.
'Daddy, look what Uncle Harry brought for me,' she says brightly. She is holding out a book with a green cover, heavily decorated and embossed in Celtic knot work. I turn the pages, and my eyes are dazzled by the colourful illustrations. It is beautiful.
'This is a lovely gift. I hope you said thank you?'
'Of course she did, Severus.' I hear the hidden challenge and meet it by looking directly at him. He smiles, and I can't help but smile back.
'She was raised to be polite,' I reply.
'She probably had no choice, with you and Hermione as her parents.'
'Precisely.' I know he is teasing, but he does have a point.
'Is the tea ready, Daddy?' Happy pulls my sleeve to get my attention.
'It is. Harry, please, take a seat.'
I see the grin he tries to hide as he sits, and feel a glimmer of something. I pour the tea and hand a cup to him, and as our fingers brush against each other, our eyes meet.
It is a long time since I have felt so certain about a course of events being out of my control, but I'll go with it for now. We drink our tea, and Happy amuses and distracts us with her chatter between biscuits. Harry has a natural way with him, and the conversation runs smoothly for a while.
'Can I ask you both a question?' he says, his voice light and a little amused.
'Go on.' I pour more tea and stand to refill the pot from the kettle bubbling softly on the gas.
'Why do you call Harriet 'Happy'? It's a lovely nickname, but Harriet is such a pretty name.'
'It's because I couldn't say my name when I was little. I used to get... Daddy, what did I get?'
I sigh deeply. I knew this would come up sooner or later. Later would have been better.
'Tongue tied. You used to get tongue tied, sweetheart.' I take a little longer with the hot water so that I can keep my back to them.
'That's it!' She laughs. 'I couldn't say Harriet, and it always came out as Harry. But that was a boys' name like yours, so Mummy and Daddy changed it to Happy.'
'I see.' The words fall heavily from his mouth, and I know that he sees it all far too clearly.
I hear Happy yawn noisily and glance at the clock. 'You should go for your sleep, I think. Say thank you to Harry for visiting.'
'Thank you, Uncle Harry. You will come again, soon, won't you?'
'If I can, I will.' I turn to see Happy kiss him on his cheek, and he reaches up to touch the space where her lips rested as she walks from the room.
'She likes you,' I say quickly. I want to keep the focus on her for as long as I can.
'She's a lovely child,' he responds, passing his cup for a refill.
We sip our tea in silence, and the atmosphere becomes thicker with the things we don't say. I know he won't stay quiet for long. He never could. I wait, and he doesn't let me down.
'Hermione told me that you and she... that you're not a couple.'
'No. We never have been.' I'm not making this easy, for either of us.
'Come to dinner, tomorrow night. Let's talk, Severus. Properly.'
I can tell he's holding his breath, but I continue to stare down at my caramel coloured tea, swirling the dregs in thought.
'Please,' he whispers.
I can't help but look up now, hearing the twinge of desperation and hope in that one, simple word. It was the only thing that would have broken me, and he did it without knowing.
'Very well.' My mouth moves before I have time to think any further. His smile makes my acquiescence worthwhile.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Making Happy
80 Reviews | 6.75/10 Average
So good to read this again.
Seriously lovely.
Yay for happy endings! You have done a fantastic job with this, Neelix. Really, it was beautiful from start to finish. I think this ended perfectly where it did, but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be thrilled to see little glimpses of the future here and there. I like the conversation between mother and daughter on the train. It would be totally unrealistic if Harriet didn't have some reservations about how her peers would accept this unconventional family. It isn't the norm, and kids are cruel. Still, you make the point that different is not equivalent to bad. She just has extra people to love her is all. Regardless of her nerves about what people will think, I have no doubt that she knows deep down how very special she is and how very much she is loved.I don't think she will get too much grief about her parentage. Having three of the most instrumental folks in wizarding history as your family has got to count for something, right?I really, really love Harry's confidence in their relationship. He could feel nervous due to lack of verbal confirmation on Severus' part, and yet he seems to just know that this is right and that it will work between them for always.I hope the writing of this tale lifted your spirits a bit. I know reading it did for me. Thanks so much for sharing such a great story!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
thank you so much for your positive response to this. I'm really pleased with the way it was recieved, and yes, I did really get a boost from wiritng it!There will be new one-shots intermittently I think, firstly from Severus' POV. I'm still off work but I hope to go back soon . I miss the craic, to be honest!
So glad to see them together at the end. I really liked your story telling from each person's point of view. As someone else said, Snape's point of view on the bonding would be lovely to see.Well done.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank yu so much for reading. I intend to do a few one-shots to go with this, i think.
This was fantastic. Although not my usual pairing preference, the characterizations were outstanding. I agree with the request for a sequel. Very interesting to see how they balance the alternative family and how the kids handle it. It is always fun to see the true potential of a kid with parents such as Hermione and Severus too! Thanks for writing!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you so much - I seem to have convinced a few people about the pairing!
Well now everything is sorted and in its proper space. Nicely done you!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thankyou! I had a lot of fun with this x
Well, my dear, this simply BEGS for a sequel !! Snarry is generally not my thing so much, but this tale was written with such sensitivity and plausability of character that I was ensnared. Fine work !!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Wow. Thank you for that! perhaps I will do some one-shots to go along with this. A sequel would need further plot, and not their bonded there's no where to go!
AWWWWWWWWWWW! This is perfect ending. Maybe one day you'll write about Severus' feelings for this evening. I would have loved to see his face when he discovered the box in his plate. And his emotions while Harry paased the ring on his fingers should be interesting to know. Please?
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I might do a special one-shot just for you from Severus POV :) Thanks for reading xx
Response from snitchette (Reviewer)
*squeeeee* THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
Awww ... this was nice. One thing that I have really enjoyed about this story is that there is conflict at the proper times, but it is quickly resolved. Not that I don't enjoy long drawn out angst and such, but that is not what this story is ultimately about. I think the cat is out of the bag as far as any secrets between them, so all that is left to do is pursue this relationship. Something that I needed to convince me that this pairing can work is a mature Harry. I'm ok with SS/HG where she is young, but for some reason it is hard for me to stomach a young, inexperienced, immature Harry with Snape. No worries with this version of Harry; he is perfect.Hermione is going to be absolutely delighted by this latest development. Happy probably will be as well. I don't see that there is anywhere to go now, except towards a happy ending -- no pun intended :)
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you honey - sorry I'm so late in replying, I've been off radar for a little while.Thanks for reading x
Well, from Harry's perspective, Hermione has given him a lot to think about. From my perspective, what the hell is he waiting for? Go to Severus now and tell him how you feel. Geez, men.I love the interaction between Severus and Happy. I can see why he was worried about Hermione taking her away as he clearly loves her dearly.Severus and Hermione have taken an awkward situation and made it even worse in the interest of protecting Harry and Happy. I hope they can make things right for all parties involved.I will be interested to know how Happy came about. I thought in the beginning that Harry and Severus were a couple and wanted a child and Hermione volunteered to help, but then somehow things went belly up and he and she ended up staying together. Then I thought that maybe Severus and Harry were a couple, but because of maybe lots of alcohol and some bad choices, they ended up sleeping together-just this one time- and Happy was the good and bad outcome. Guess I will wait and see.On a personal side note, Harry and Happy are two of the Hippos in the game Hungry, Hungry, Hippos which my son has just recently discovered. I've thought about you each and every one of the ten thousand times we have played over the last week :)
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Ahh yes, Hungry Hungry Hippos - this is the bane of Severus' life in Hilltop Cottage, the devil's own entertainment! lol!!More comes clear in the next couple of chapters, and as you say, Harry is never backward about coming forward so...
Response from HBAR (Reviewer)
I knew if anyone would understand my pain, it would be you and Severus!
At last! Harry knows the truth. Whew thats a releif. ((bounces)) Severus ought to duck if knows whats good for him. I expect he is going to get a good shouting at by med witch Potter. Hee
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
lol... I think there may be some strong words, you're right. Harry is like a dog with a bone really!
Hooray! You had me genuinely worried about Happy there. I have a very hard time picturing Hermione with Rosemerta, but then Ginny was taken and Lavender was REALLY not her type, so who knows? I guess the wizarding world figured out Artificial Insemination, though chances are they don't do it with a glorified turkey baster. ... well, maybe they do. Why use magic when simple Muggle methods work just as well? It's no use guessing- I'm pleasantly surprised every time.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Well. I'm glad I was able to make you feel something. Next chapter wont be long. Thanks for reading.
I can't wait to hear Severus' story about the conception of Happy. Because honestly I thougt it involved a lot of alcohool followed by a pityful performance and a great headache afterwards, maybe regrets too.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
That would have been a fun scenario to write, actually, but no, not like that. I won't keep you waiting for much longer.
... as I Floo home, I’m feeling more confused than I was before.*pats Harry on the back* "Me too buddy, me too."Where, may I ask, is my explanation of this vow? Hmmm? I'd sic Severus on you, but I'll be damned if he isn't soft and squishy around the edges in this tale. And if that sounds like a negative comment, it isn't. I love your Severus. He retains his hard exterior, biting words, inherent insecurities ... all of the things that make him who he is. But when he is with Hermione, or Happy, or now Harry, he softens a little and that makes a hard-to-love man loveable.You may very well be able to take credit after so many before you have failed, to turn me into a Snarry fan. I'll hold out until the end to decide, though. No pressure, really.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you for reading, even if Snarry isn't your thing. I warn you now there will be sex coming up. I'll do my best to make it believable so that you don't feel the need to avert your eyes!Severus is a bit softer in this story. He's a different man, I think, and having Happy changed him beyond his own imagination. I'm sure that he's looked back on his own childhood and decided to be a different sort of parent.I have to be honest, I have struggled with the last couple of chapters. Hopefully the next one will be easier.
Response from HBAR (Reviewer)
I warn you now there will be sex coming up. I'll do my best to make it believable so that you don't feel the need to avert your eyes!You've found my issue with these two. There can be a ton of sex, or none at all ... I just always have a hard time with a relationship between these two feeling believable. I'm liking them so far, even though their interactions have been repressed. Fear not, I have absolute faith in you to make this work.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
No pressure then. That's good!lol... I'm on chapter 10, sex will be in 11 I'm thinking. Wish us luck (thats me, Severus and of course, Harry... bwahahahaha!!!!)
AAaarrgh! I thought we might find out about the Vow in this chapter!! Well, I am glad that Happy is alright, anyway. Both Hermione and Severus will be able to face anything that happens now. Severus seems to be a great father so why he should have worried about Hermione taking her away, I don't know. Still insecure that everyone he loves will die/run away I suppose and whatever he Vow is, I don't think it has helped him to grow emotionally. Though I think having a daughter has, so perhaps he's ready to jump into the deep end with Harry. *Crosses fingers!*
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I think you're right about Severus and his insecurities. He has been abandoned by everyone he's ever cared about.The Vow isn't that exciting, really! lol... I think everyone will be majorly disappointed.
I'm so relieved Happy's well. I don't believe Severus would have ever recovered from her death, even with Harry's love to support him.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I think you're right,
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
. Onwards...
Thanks for not killing Happy off. Okay I really didnt think you would, but I was nervous for a bit. The vow is lifted, the child is recovering seems to me its time for the adults to have a discussion. Drum roll please for the next chapter!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
lol... Next chapter is on it's way. Thanks for reading x
Well it is about time. I've been wondering about all of this vow business; the what and the why of it all. I certainly hope that this means the next chapter gives more insight into it all. Knowing you and your wily ways, the next chapter will probably be from Happy's POV, and will take place while she is under for surgery so will just be a blank page, LOL. Ok. you're not that bad. Still, don't make us wait too long for more, pretty please.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Dont panic - Chapter 8 is with my beta ARo so you won't have to wait long - I really wish I had done a blank Happy POV, lol!!! I'm not that clever!I hope the reveal makes sense to everyone... *doubting self*
Oh, my gods..... what..... what...... ????!!!!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
you need to refer back to Chapter 1! lol...
I can't believe I just tore right through the first chapters. I need another fix immediately! * taps foot* Lol, actually this is REALLY excellent. I'm quite enjoying it. Dare I surmise that...well no I won't. I'll let myself be surprised.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you so much. next chapter is WIP but shouldn't be long x
Oh WOW he removed the vow ! I want the next chapter immediately!!! You are so evil to withhold it! This was just heartbreaking watching both Hermione and SEverus suffer so. Poor Happy.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
It's carnage, I agree. It has to be. You have to break a few eggs... :)
What??? Oh my. *aughhhh...I have fallen.* Off the cliff I go.*giggle* Let's just say I am enjoying this immensely, and am looking forward to your next thrilling post.Thank you again for sharing~
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I hope this means you enjoyed the chapter. lol! next update wont be as long, i promise.
YOU are a very bad author!!! What's this vow (un unbreakable one?) that he made. To what purpose? YOu better update quickly *stare menacingly at you*
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
hehe... *cackles evilly* *makes you wait*
What a delicious diner they had. I'm jealous. *wink*
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I think I preferred the dessert! Thanks for reading x
I LOVE this chapter!! ANd considering thess two sentences "I’ve never seen him look so bloody edible in my life, and my mouth goes dry.""I feel an urge to lick the exposed flesh"I'm wondering what, precisely, thay are going to eat for diner...
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Haha... With Severus in the house there's only one thing on the menu ;)
Thanks for reading :)