Chapter Text
Albus went straight to the dungeons. Severus preferred to rise late in the morning. If they'd been at the flat, the man would still be in bed, curled up in the sheets, his arms wrapped around Albus. He'd be grumbling in Albus's ear, begging for five more minutes.
But when Albus knocked on his door, there was no response.
A group of fifth-year students making their way to the Slytherin common room approached him. "Headmaster, are you looking for Professor Snape?" one of them asked.
"Yes, my boy, I am. Have you seen him?"
"He's still in the Great Hall, sir. He's been covering for Professor Copler. Do you know when Professor Copler will be well, sir?"
"I'm sorry to say I don't. Hopefully soon."
~
On one side of the high table, Minerva chatted with Filius and Pomona, and on the other, Severus hawkishly surveyed the hall. As Albus slipped inside, a group of Gryffindors guffawed so loudly they drew everyone's attention, giving Albus a moment to appreciate Severus's profile before the man's intense gaze fell on him, shamelessly staring as Albus made his way to his seat.
"I see you're up early," said Albus, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"I'm the only other Slytherin on staff. While Copler is in the infirmary, I've given myself a promotion. Don't fret—I don't expect a raise."
A corner of Albus's mouth lifted. "Is that why you didn't come over last night?"
Severus furrowed his brow and averted his gaze. He leant toward Albus and, in a hushed tone, said, "In part, and by the looks of it, I’ll have to spend more time at the castle... Does that make you glad, sir?"
"Oh, no, of course not. And I hadn't meant to dismiss Vivianus's poor health. I had just thought—well, it's silly, never mind." Albus huffed a laugh.
Severus blinked. He lifted a brow and gave Albus a curious look.
"Can we talk somewhere private?" asked Albus.
"Now?"
"As soon as you're available."
Severus let out a sigh. "Would you prefer to eat first?" He pointed to the plate of beans on toast that had appeared in front of Albus.
"I suppose I should."
"Eat," Severus softly barked. "We can go to my office afterwards."
~
Severus's office was unnaturally disorganised for a man who often demanded order. Papers lay scattered across the desk. Jars of various ingredients—doxy wings, gillyweed, octopus tentacles, and pearl dust—served as unnecessary paperweights.
"Pomfrey and I have been discussing possible treatment options for Copler," said Severus. "I've been brewing a stronger variation of Pepper-Up."
Guilt nagged at Albus for not having done more for the arithmancy professor himself. "I can help you. I'm not sure if you knew this, but"—Severus joined him in saying his next words—"I once had an article published in The Practical Potioneer."
Albus chuckled. "So, you did know."
The gaze that had been glacier-like only moments ago now softened, warmed. "What is it you wished to discuss, Professor Dumbledore?"
Albus sighed and took a seat. "I realise now how foolish it was to think we could confine our romantic affair to our place in London. I didn't mean to take you for granted, Severus. I was…" His hands shook in his lap. "I've been afraid of people I respect—namely the other staff members—assuming I forced you into something illicit. I feared I'd lose their approval."
A chair appeared beside Albus. Severus sat down, but remained quiet.
"However, these last several years have been the best of my life. You've given me something more satisfying than the acclaim of having my work published in prestigious journals, more rewarding than an Order of Merlin, First Class… All these years I've chased power and prestige in hopes it would buy me love, yet once I finally had it, the love I so desired, I…" He shook his head in disbelief. "I feared losing everything else, I suppose."
"What are you saying, Albus? Speak plainly."
"I'm saying you're more important to me than all the titles and accomplishments I've collected. I'm saying I'm willing to risk my reputation to keep showing you just how much. I'm saying I'd like to spend whatever life I have left with you, if you'll still have me."
Severus rubbed at his eyes, and when he dropped his hands back onto his lap, smudges of pink lay across his lids and cheeks, his nose equally flushed. "I need to make something clear. I appreciate that you gave me my freedom after the war, and that you provided me with safety. But we both know you don't need me to protect the boy, and even if you did, I don't need to be in the castle to do my part. I chose to go along with your plan because I believed in you, and I've stayed because I love you… I was upset last night and glad to have had a distraction, but I'm not leaving you, Albus. I meant it when I said I'll have however much of you you'll give me."
"I appreciate you saying that." Albus grasped Severus's hands in his own and brought them to his lips. "But I don’t want to allow my fears to keep me from accepting all you’re willing to give me. Will you forgive me?"
"I already have." A tear fell down Severus's cheek as the corner of his mouth lifted in a soft smile.
~
Professor Copler's health failed to improve after a stronger dose of Pepper-Up. After being admitted to St. Mungo's, he was diagnosed with a enigmatic, stress-induced magical ailment. His healer said he'd likely be unable to return to teaching at Hogwarts.
Perenelle Flamel, a long-time friend of Albus's, graciously offered to teach Arithmancy, and Severus became Head of Slytherin House.
~
"I have a surprise for you," said Albus. He had been waiting in the man's office for half an hour.
Severus had just finished his last class of the day. He looked tired and smelt of ingredients. Albus hoped to lift the man's spirits.
When Severus arched one of his brows, Albus urged it back down with a kiss and took his hand. "Follow me."
Standing in front of Severus's fireplace, Albus tapped his wand to the bricks behind the hearth, and they slowly melted away. Through the opening, old portraits of long-past headmasters could be seen.
"What have you done, Albus?" asked Severus. His voice was sharp, but his eyes sparkled with amazement.
"Come," Albus beckoned, leading him through the fireplace into the Headmaster's Office. "Let's go home, Severus."
They travelled past bookshelves and portraits and into Albus's private chambers. A large cupboard stood across his four-poster bed. When he opened it and parted the robes inside, the sound of George Harrison singing 'If Not for You' met their ears.
"Albus," Severus sighed, brows tented above his shiny obsidian eyes, more beautiful to Albus than any rare magical stone he'd yet to own. "How?"
"They don't call me a grand sorcerer for nothing." Albus smirked, and when Severus laughed, it filled him with so much warmth he worried he'd melt before they even had a chance to get to the best part.
As they entered the flat, the smell of salt and butter greeted them. On the coffee table sat a bowl of popcorn so large and circular it looked like the moon. A rope lay around it as though it had been lassoed. Severus picked up the rope and asked, "What'd you wish for?"
"Well, not just one wish," recited Albus as he placed his hands on Severus's waist, "a whole hatful. Severus, I know what I'm going to do tomorrow, and the next day, and next year, and a year after that…" He let his words trail off as Severus planted soft kisses on his cheeks and nose.
"And what's that, exactly?"
"Invite you to spend them with me. You can decide the rest."