The Space Between Failing and Falling • Snarry •

Chapter 10: Reason and Review

The next evening, Severus shifts Somnus, who is cradled in his arms and fast asleep, in order to double check a note from Harry. It's a year old, and it says, 'I've just moved house & my new address is 12 Thames View.'

He felt very daring when he Disapparated, soon after he released the hoglet back into the wild. Now that he pauses outside a green door with a knocker in the shape of an eagle, he has second thoughts.

Perhaps he ought to leave.

Before he can Apparate away, Harry swings open the door.

"Severus! You're here!" Harry stares at him as though he can't believe his eyes.

"I am," he says stiffly.

"I felt your magic. And my Foe-Glass said you were fine." He nods to the Dark Detectors lying dormant in the hallway.

"I am glad to note that you are taking your safety seriously."

Harry holds out his arms and takes Somnus, before ushering Severus inside. "Hello," he coos at the bird. "This wasn't what I meant when I said I'd send you Somnus," Harry says with a crooked grin.

He leans to kiss Severus on the cheek.

"You kept my letters," Harry says.

"Of course."

There is a tea towel slung over his shoulder, his hair sticks up in all orientations, and his jaw has a fetching amount of stubble.

Harry runs his hand over his face, as though reading Severus's mind. "Sorry, I wasn't expecting visitors," he says. "I'm so glad you're here, though!"

In the sitting room, a serpent lies in a monstrous tank, and rather a few dying pot plants perch on a messy bookshelf. A television glues the gaze of a little boy with shocking violet hair.

"This is Ted, my godson. And my snake, Donald."

Harry puts Somnus on his perch and Ted bends 'round to look at Severus with wide eyes.

"I'm sorry to intrude—" Severus begins.

"No, it's fine!"

Harry sits on the settee and pushes his glasses onto the top of his head to rub his eyes. "We're having a chill out day, this little tyke woke up a lot last night, and started whining before daybreak." Harry's jaw cracks as he yawns. "Ted, this is Severus."

"Hello," the boy says shyly.

"Good evening," Severus says.

Severus joins Harry on the sofa, and the three-year-old turns back around, absorbed once more.

Some demented penguins squawk at each other on the television. "What programme is this?"

"It's Pingu."

"And small children enjoy this?"

Harry swings his legs up onto the sofa, rests his chin on his knees and gazes sleepily at Severus. "Yeah. This one does." Again, he gives Severus a crooked smile. "Did you have a telly?"

"No."

"Have you ever watched it?"

"Yes."

Social decorum states that he should say more, but he doesn't want to. Harry raises his eyebrows expectantly.

Again, Harry draws words out of him that no one else can.

"Your grandparents had a television." Harry sits up straight. It's fascinating what happy facial expressions Severus can extract from Harry.