The Space Between Failing and Falling • Snarry •

Chapter 11: Founder and Fulfilment

"I've never been tucked into bed," Harry says. "Unless Madam Pomfrey counts...?"

"No. She doesn't."

"How about you?"

"Not Grandma, she died when I was a baby. But my father's father would. Grandfather would occasionally visit before he became sick, and he would read the boring bits of the Bible to me until I fell asleep."

This gets a smile from Harry. "Really? I can't imagine it," Harry says. "I did get a bed, though. When I was almost eleven."

"You are very casual about the abuse."

"I wasn't abused," Harry says.

"Do you think it appropriate to lock a child up, not treasure them, neglect them?"

Harry frowns. "Of course not."

"It's hard to recognise abuse as a child, because it was normal for you. You haven't experienced anything better. Only dreamed of it."

Harry peers at him. "You're probably right."

Severus recognises that his statement could be applied to himself, too. He clears his throat. "So. Your parents. Your father...was good at Quidditch," Severus allows.

Harry grins at him and urges Severus to proceed with a nod of his head.

"He was loyal to his friends. Powerful in a duel. I heard that the Dark Lord did at one time seek to recruit him." Severus snorts. "He was as anti-Dark Magic as they come."

Harry reaches out to tuck some hair behind Severus's ear.

"I feel confident in saying that he loved Lily very much, and obviously you too. Irritatingly, he never had to work too hard in Transfiguration. In Sixth Year, he set up a Defence study group for the younger Gryffindors—presumably some kind of push back against the Muggle killings."

"And my mum?"

"A remarkable girl. I will tell you about her some other day."

"This Sunday—my birthday party—"

"I'll be there."

Harry pulls him down and kisses him, hard. "You'd better be."

****

During his lunch break, he goes to Diagon Alley to fetch Harry's birthday present. When he's finished at Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, he sees Harry's friend.

"Mr Weasley," he says with a nod.

"Call me Ron." Severus keeps his face neutral to hide his alarm when Ron claps him on the shoulder. "See you Sunday?"

"You shall," Severus assures him.

****

After work, Severus Apparates to Harry's house.

Harry opens the door, shirtless.

"I apologise; I shouldn't have come."

When he turns around, Harry grasps Severus's shoulder and says, "Please—come in." He pulls Severus in and gestures at his robes. "We're in a Muggle neighbourhood!"

"Fuck the Statute." Severus kisses his jaw, and Harry looks so happy.

"I like it when you smile," Harry murmurs, fingers stroking Severus's back.

He smiles wider into Harry's neck and breathes in the scent of sandalwood. "I am too terrified to smile."

He wants to envelop and whisk him away, all to himself. His heart is a dark place without Harry.