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Harry's PoV:

"What happened to you, mate?" Ron asked him as he sat down to breakfast. He hadn't seen Ron and Hermione since two days ago, before he'd hexed Severus. So much had happened between then and now that Harry felt overwhelmed.

"I'll tell you later," Harry replied. They had final exams and then they were leaving after classes. And Harry wouldn't see Severus for two weeks. His heart hurt at the thought, and he felt a pang of regret.

"Wait...so it hasn't been three days since you hexed Snape," Ron said. Fred and George had filled him in, which Harry hadn't been too happy about. But Ron would have found out anyway, being Harry's best friend and with all the rumors that were going around the school. "You kissed Snape?"

"I had to," Harry said, and desperately hoped no one knew much about the Binding Hex and what it meant that Harry had been released early. "I wanted to go with you on break."

"You'll tell us everything on the train?" Hermione asked him.

"Yes, Hermione," said Harry, rolling his eyes. Well, almost everything. He hoped she wouldn't be able to deduce what had happened between him and Severus the night before.

"I can't believe you kissed Snape," Ron moaned. "Bloody hell Harry."

Harry's cheeks reddened and he didn't say anything else about it as Ron talked with the twins about their plans for break. All throughout his finals, he couldn't concentrate and he dreaded the moment the train would leave Hogwarts, putting even more distance between him and Severus.

During his final in Severus's class, it was especially hard for Harry to concentrate. He and Severus made eye contact several times throughout the long class period. Severus didn't ask to see him after class, which was what Harry had been dreading, and he left the classroom without a word to Severus.

On the train that afternoon, Harry, Ron, and Hermione shut themselves in a compartment alone. "So what happened?" Ron asked.

"Tell us everything," Hermione added.

Everything? Harry gulped. But he started from the beginning, how he'd bought a prank book from Fred and George's shop and had initially tried to bind Severus and Malfoy, but ended up backfiring on himself and Severus. He continued to their decision to be friends, and their nice evening together. When he got to their night together, he told the truth but left out all the details.

"You slept with Snape?!" Ron and Hermione exclaimed in unison. Hermione was so shocked that she forgot to address Severus as Professor Snape as she usually did, and didn't bother to correct Ron.

"I didn't sleep with him, exactly," Harry said sheepishly. "We just...fooled around. And then he let me spend the night."

His best friends gaped at him. "I can't believe I'm hearing this," Ron groaned. "My best friend and my least favorite teacher."

"And your least favorite teacher, Harry, or so I thought," Hermione added.

"I know, I know," Harry said. "This was all so sudden." He continued the story, starting from when he woke up in the morning up to his words to Severus right before he stormed out.

"Harry, you need to apologize," Hermione said. "You could get in trouble for-"

"Disrespecting a teacher, I know," Harry rolled his eyes. "But he's more than that to me now. I don't know what to do."

"Do you have feelings for him?" Hermione asked.

"I..." Harry trailed off, uncertain. He'd had fun last night, but did his feelings go beyond physical pleasure? He didn't even know Severus. "I'm not sure."

"You should probably figure that out, then," Hermione said.

"I don't think it matters now," Harry said. "Severus said he doesn't want to start anything."

"Did he actually say he doesn't want to?" Hermione asked. "Harry, you told me that he didn't want you to know about the things he's done. I don't think it's anything against you. Maybe you should write him."

Harry sat in silence as he pondered Hermione's advice. He planned out a letter to Severus as he stared out the window, not in the mood to socialize. He regretted how he'd left things with Severus, and he knew these next two weeks would go by slowly.

That night, after everyone had gone to bed, he started his letter. Dear Severus, he wrote. I am so sorry about what I said to you this morning. I didn't mean it - I was heartbroken and angry, and I should not have taken it out on you. I respect your decision and I would be honored to be your friend. I hope you can forgive me; if not, I completely understand. I hope to see you after break, I want to get to know you even if it can't be as lovers. I also want you to know that if you ever want to talk to me about anything, I will be here for you, Severus. I hope you have a wonderful break. -Harry

Hermione had offered to go over the letter with Harry, but he didn't want to make Severus uncomfortable by sharing their conversations with his friends. He already felt guilty for telling his friends about what had happened between them. So he folded his letter up, put it in an envelope and gave it to Hedwig. He hoped Severus wouldn't ignore his letter and that it would get to him soon.

But days passed, and Harry still hadn't heard back from Severus. Christmas arrived, and Harry couldn't help but sulk around the Burrow. Severus was angry with him, he knew, and Harry felt awful for hurting him. "Lighten up, mate," Ron said as he sat down next to his best friend for Christmas dinner. "You'll get to talk to Snape after break. In the meantime, I'm starving."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're always hungry, Ronald."

That earned a grin from Harry, who was glad that he wasn't alone for break. Of course, that made his mind drift back to Severus, who was spending his break alone.

As soon as the thought entered his mind, there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" Hermione called, a mischievous grin on her face which was so uncharacteristic of her that it worried Harry. What was she up to?

And then Severus appeared in the doorway, shaking snow out of his hair. "Merlin, it's cold," Severus said, and met Harry's gaze.

Harry stared at him in complete shock. The next thing he knew, he was in Severus's arms, despite everyone watching them. "I'm sorry for how I left things between us," Harry said into his chest. "It's been driving me mad for days. I didn't mean what I said."

"It's alright Harry. We'll talk," Severus said. "I got your letter. But I wanted to wait to respond to you in person, after I got Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley's letter."

Harry turned to his friends, who wore matching grins. "What did you two do?" he asked.

"We may have wrote Professor Snape telling him that you have been miserable and that he needs to get his arse here so that you two can make up," Ron said.

Harry gaped at Ron and Hermione. "I seriously couldn't ask for better friends," he said.

"No, you couldn't." Hermione grinned. Ron scooted over so that Severus could take the seat next to Harry, and Harry's friends smiled as the two looked at each other.

"I'm surprised you came," Harry said to Severus, feeling the Weasleys' and Hermione's eyes on them.

"I wanted to," Severus said softly.

"Oh...good," Harry said.

Severus smiled. "We'll talk after dinner, alright?"

Harry nodded and smiled back, unable to believe that Severus was actually here. All week he'd been planning out what he wanted to say to Severus, and he felt a pang of nervousness now that the Potions Master was actually here and he had a chance to talk to him.

Dinner went by slowly, and Harry longed for time alone with Severus. They went upstairs to talk after they were finished eating, and Severus followed Harry into the room he shared with Ron. "I'm so sorry, Severus. I'm so sorry," Harry said, the room blurring in front of him.

Severus pulled him into a hug, and Harry relaxed against him, crying into his shirt. "It's alright Harry. I do appreciate your apology. And, I would still like to be friends."

"Oh, good," Harry said in relief. "That would have been awkward if we hadn't been able to make up."

"Yes it would have," Severus agreed. "And Harry, I have been thinking a lot about what happened between us. You have to understand that if you were my lover, I wouldn't want to keep secrets from you. It isn't you, it's me. So, if you still want to start something with me after I tell you everything, I would love to."

Harry gasped, not daring to hope. "Really?"

"Really. But you must listen to everything I'm about to tell you," Severus said. "I must warn you, some of it might be a bit shocking."

Harry nodded. "Of course I'll listen, Severus," he said softly. They sat down on the edge of Harry's bed and Severus began to talk. He told Harry about his life growing up, how he hadn't had any friends and was an only child. And then he told Harry about his memories of Hogwarts, when he met Lily Evans.

"Lily Evans as in...my mother Lily Evans?!" Harry exclaimed. This man was full of surprises.

"The very same," Severus confirmed. "We were very close, but she was also close with Potter and his friends. I knew Potter and I put her in the middle, with all our fighting. Lily hated it. I did something unforgivable...I exposed Lupin as a werewolf." Severus winced and shook his head. "I will never forgive myself for that. Later I apologized to Lupin, but the damage had already been done." Harry was shocked, but he let Severus continue as he'd promised. "And then one day, your mother and I got into a huge fight. I...I called her..."

"What?" asked Harry.

"I called her a Mudblood." Tears filled Severus's eyes and Harry felt his heart break. "She never talked to me again, understandably, and I never did make things right between me and her before she married Potter and had you. And then she...she died..."

Severus avoided Harry's gaze, but Harry just scooted closer to him on the edge of the bed. "So why did you hate me so much then?" Harry asked. "I'm not my father."

"Oh, it was stupid of me, I know now," Severus said. "And I do believe I knew even back then, when I first laid eyes on you. When I heard the rumors that James Potter's son was enrolling in Hogwarts, I sulked for days. And when I first saw you that night in the Great Hall, I was shocked to see that you looked almost exactly like your father. Except your eyes."

"My mother's eyes," Harry said.

Severus nodded. "I didn't know what to think, what to say to you, how to act around you," he admitted. "In my twisted mind, I thought I could get back at James Potter by bullying his son. And Harry, I cannot even put into words how sorry I am for how I treated you."

Harry had no idea what to say. So he just hugged Severus, and he felt the older man relax against him and hold Harry close.

After a few moments, Severus pulled away to look at him. "I was in love with Lily," he confessed. For once he looked terrified of Harry instead of the other way around. "But she never loved me like that. I knew I could never compete with James Potter. Merlin, it was my worst nightmare seeing the girl I loved with my worst enemy. Lily deserved so much better."

"I'm sorry," said Harry. He had no idea his father had been such an arsehole to Severus. It was strange to think that if things had been different, Severus might be Harry's father.

"It isn't your fault," said Severus, "no matter how much I wanted to blame you. Forgive me...I was being a dunderhead."

"You're forgiven," Harry said. "I just want to move on from it. And I want you to let someone in. Severus, we all make mistakes, but you can't let them define you. If someone wants to get to know you, you shouldn't turn them down. I...I had a lonely childhood, too. I was completely alone. I lived with my mother's sister, her husband, and their son. They were horrible. They were Muggles and they resented anyone with magic, especially me. And sure, I was embarrassed to share that with my friends, but they didn't judge me for it. Because I didn't let the family I lived with define me." His heart pounding, he reached for Severus's hand. Severus allowed Harry to lace their fingers together, and he even squeezed the younger man's hand. "Severus, I must admit, I am shocked by your past and your connection with my mum. But I'm not going to run from you, or judge you. I'm still very interested in you."

Severus blushed at the last part. "Are you sure?" he asked.

Harry smiled and met his gaze boldly. "Severus, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since our night together," he said. "I've always been curious about you, even before all this."

Severus returned his smile, and Harry realized with a start how close they were. Harry leaned in and brushed his lips against Severus's, very softly and tentatively. The Potions Master's breath hitched and his hand that wasn't holding Harry's slid down to Harry's lower back, pulling him closer. Their lips pressed together more firmly, and Harry moved closer to Severus, blushing as he realized he'd just sat in Severus's lap. Luckily, Severus didn't seem to mind. His tongue licked Harry's bottom lip and Harry moaned, opening his mouth for Severus. Their tongues danced for a long heated moment, and Severus leaned back against the pillows, pulling Harry down on top of him. Severus's hand slipped up his shirt and his fingers ran along Harry's spine. Harry shivered in pleasure as he kissed Severus hungrily, pressing up against him eagerly. Severus moaned against his mouth and broke the kiss to pull Harry's shirt over his head. He drew Harry against him again, kissing him with a fervent passion that made Harry want to melt. The younger man's hand wandered down to Severus's lap, and Harry felt him grow hard. "Harry," Severus gasped, breaking their kiss again to look at him. "I must ask you, when you say you want to be with me, do you mean sexually or...something more meaningful?"

Harry took a moment to consider the question. He had fun with Severus, but he didn't want to fall into bed with him without an emotional connection between them. They both needed a more meaningful connection after being alone for most of their lives. And, as much as Harry had been denying it this past week, he had been falling for Severus. "I want something meaningful," he said, meeting Severus's gaze. His eyes were so beautiful.

Severus's eyes sparkled with happiness. "Alright, good," he breathed in relief. "I didn't want to turn you down after all that's happened between us. I wouldn't think it a good idea to only have a physical relationship." He reached a hand up to stroke Harry's hair, and the younger man leaned into the touch. "I like you a lot, Harry." Severus's voice was uncharacteristically soft.

Harry smiled, his face burning. "I like you too, Severus. You're all I've been able to think about." He kissed Severus again, softer this time, and the Potions Master held him close as he returned the kiss. Harry felt Severus hardening and he stroked him through his trousers.

Severus gasped, and reached down to unbutton his trousers. He took Harry's hand and put it in his underwear, moaning as Harry squeezed him gently. "Please, Harry," Severus moaned.

Harry smirked. He loved when Severus begged for him, and he tugged Severus's trousers down past his hips. Severus lay half naked before him, and Harry eagerly bent his head to lick up Severus's erection. The Potions Master moaned and Harry smirked before taking Severus into his mouth and sucking. Like last time, he hoped he wouldn't embarrass himself, but now he knew what to expect and hopefully he would get more confident as they explored this part of their relationship together.

Harry relaxed his throat so he could take Severus deeper into his mouth, and the older man let out a desperate whimper that turned Harry on. A moment later Severus came, and Harry swallowed the bitter, warm liquid.

Severus brushed the hair out of Harry's face and kissed him softly. "You are amazing, Harry," he said.

Harry blushed and ducked his head to hide it, but Severus just smiled. He held Harry close, and the younger man snuggled against him, happier than he had been in a long time.

Severus's PoV:

Severus could tell it was odd for the Weasleys to have him over for break. He appreciated Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley's invitation, but he knew it was still strange for them to see a professor outside of school.

He and Harry used their break to become more familiar with each other. They had long conversations, and Severus hadn't realized just how much he didn't know about Harry until they began talking.

Harry told him about his life growing up with the Dursleys. After hearing about all Harry's stories, Severus considered himself lucky that he had been able to grow up with his parents, even if he had also been an only child. At least he hadn't been abused. The Dursleys better hope that Severus never met them, or they could expect to be hexed. Or worse.

Severus went to Diagon Alley with Harry and his friends on Christmas Eve, and he had to admit, he had a wonderful time. Harry surprised him by buying him new Potions ingredients. He and Harry wandered off on their own for a while, walking down the street together. When Harry reached for his hand, Severus reminded himself not to pull away, that he didn't have to hide anymore. He smiled and laced his fingers through Harry's, moving to walk a bit closer to him as they wandered through the shops.

When they caught up to the Weasleys, they found Ron and Hermione standing outside Flourish and Blotts. "I'm going inside," Harry said, and kissed Severus on the cheek before going to join the Weasleys.

Ron and Hermione stared at Severus in surprise. "So, you and Harry have gotten quite close then," Ron observed.

"You will take care of him, right Professor?" Hermione asked. "I know you and Harry haven't always been on the best of terms. We're just worried for him. We don't want him to lose someone else."

"Don't worry, Miss Granger," Severus said, even though Harry had insisted Severus call his friends by their first names, since Severus was now his boyfriend. It was going to be a hard habit to break. "My apologies. Hermione. I care about Harry very much."

She nodded, reassured. "Good," she said. "Because I know a lot of hexes, and I'm not afraid to use them."

"Noted," Severus said, and felt the corner of his mouth twitch. "But you know I can take points for hexing a professor."

They all laughed, and when Harry came back outside, he seemed happy to see them getting along. Hermione and Ron went outside, and Harry turned to Severus. "I got something for you," Harry told him. He pulled out a small wrapped parcel and handed it to Severus.

"Harry, you didn't have to-" Severus started, but then stopped as he stared down at the pendant. A lily charm was dangling from it, and Severus looked up Harry in surprise. "Harry," he breathed. "I don't know how to thank you for this."

Harry smiled. "It's you I want to thank, Severus. I know it's hard for you to let people in, and I know it must have taken a lot to let the son of your worst enemy and the woman you loved into your life. You are a brave man, someone I look up to a lot."

Severus didn't know what to say to that, so he pulled Harry close and kissed him, right there in the street of Diagon Alley. Snowflakes fell on their heads and Severus wrapped his cloak around Harry to keep him warm, pressing them even closer together as their kiss deepened. It was the first Christmas Eve Severus could ever remember enjoying, and he was immensely grateful to Harry.

It was perfect.

AN: Thank you all so much for your support on the first chapter! I seriously wouldn't have the motivation to write without you guys. I will be updating again soon once I get chapter 3 planned out in my head. And also "Hiding with You" will be updated soon :) I can't thank you all enough for your support on that story as well.