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hp_goldenage2023-03-07 10:56 am
hpgoldenage_mod) wrote in hp_goldenage2023-03-07 10:56 am
Entry tags:
Salt and Pepper Fest: The Last Day
Title: The Last Day
Author:![[archiveofourown.org profile]](https://p.dreamwidth.org/b164c54b26e4/-/archiveofourown.org/favicon.ico)
Goddess47
Characters/Pairings: Harry Potter/Severus Snape
Rating: PG
Word Count: 1800
Content/Warning(s): None
Summary/Prompt: 58 - Tis the eve of Headmaster Snape's retirement. He's feeling a bit sentimental.
A/N: Many thanks to M to listen to me whine about this fic as I wrote it. And to patient mods who run a great fest!
Read on AO3 or below:
"I will see you later," Severus said, leaning over the table for a soft kiss.
"Have fun," Harry smiled.
It was their last full day at Hogwarts. Harry and Severus were leaving in the morning and Severus wanted one last, good look at the school. Harry had volunteered to come along but was easily dissuaded. This was something Severus wanted to do on his own.
Severus continued his self-imposed walk as the sun set. He had foregone robes, walking in slacks and a long sleeved shirt. For all that it was August, he knew part of his route would be cool. He also did not want to put on sunscreen -- although he could use a charm -- and the sleeves would protect his pale skin.
Starting after breakfast, he had strolled across the grounds, stopped by the Centaur village in the forest, skipped rocks into the lake and watched the giant squid lazily wave its tentacles, harvested a few potions ingredients that were unique to the forest, and walked across the Quidditch pitch.
A House Elf had brought him lunch and cool water when he stopped to rest during his walk in the forest.
"Thank you, Wynde," Severus said.
"Leave the basket, I will come for it later. Dinner will be ready when you wants," Wynde said cheerfully. "Just call."
"I will," Severus nodded.
The flask of water was refreshing and the ham was thickly sliced between hearty grain bread. A packet of freshly made crisps was nestled next to the sandwich. Severus ate slowly, enjoying the warm, sunny day in the shade. There was an apple and a pear, which he put in a pocket for later. Refreshed, Severus continued his walk.
Inside the castle, Severus walked his old patrol route. Even without students, he watched for anomalies and problems, vigilant to the end. He ate the apple while standing in the doorway to the potions lab. He had spent so much of his life in this room. He turned and walked away without entering.
It was full dark when he ended up at the Astronomy tower. The breeze was cool but he was warm from his exertions, so he wasn't immediately chilled. While and black hair flew about his face, moved by the breeze. He drew a hair tie out of his pocket, to hold the shoulder-length hair out of his face.
He ignored the stars in the clear sky above, instead looking for the lights of Hogsmeade. The forest was dark, as it should be, although he could see the outline of thestrals flying against the night sky, just beyond Hagrid's hut.
Light footsteps came up the stairway and moved next to him.
"It is beautiful," Harry said, leaning into Severus.
"It is," Severus agreed. He took the pear out of his pocket. "For you."
Harry laughed. The Elves knew it was Harry that adored pears but they gave them to Severus.
"Thank you," Harry said. He bit into the crisp, juicy fruit. The Elves knew he preferred pears to be just under-ripe and they kept the fruit under stasis for him.
Severus put an arm around Harry's shoulder as he ate the pear, content to enjoy the night.
"Wynde has dinner for when we want," Severus said as Harry finished. Harry vanished what little was left of the core and wiped his hand on his jeans.
"It is getting late," Harry nodded.
Severus took Harry's hand and they walked slowly to their suite.
****
It had taken Severus a long year to recover from Nagini's bite, after Harry rescued his unconscious body from the Shrieking Shack. Poppy had done what she could and, in the end, rest and using his magic as little as possible was prescribed for Severus.
Severus had put up a fight as Minerva settled Severus into his old rooms in Hogwarts.
She had stood at the end of his bed, her hands on her hips. "I need all the bloody help I can get in putting Hogwarts back together. You can't do physical work but I need advice and someplace to vent!" she had said. Then her voice softened. "And I need a friend."
Severus had blinked. "I have not been a good friend to you." His voice was a whisper, all that he could do as yet.
"Well, you can start to be a better friend by staying here," Minerva said tartly.
Severus had capitulated at that point. Minerva and Poppy came by regularly to have tea and talk, most at him since his throat was not up to talking very much in the beginning.
As his body healed from the years of abuse heaped upon him, Severus came to enjoy the time to just be. When the school re-opened, he didn't formally teach anything but he spent time in the Library, tutoring students for the time they missed or helped the Muggleborn students learn more about the Wizarding world.
Not being a Head of House or a Professor was liberating in many ways.
Five years later, when Minerva announced she wanted to take some time away from Hogwarts, she gave Severus back the Headmaster's role.
"I don't want it," Severus protested.
"Just for a year," Minerva countered. "I've spent my life here and I want to get out, travel, see something outside of Hogwarts while I still can."
"Just a year?" Severus asked.
Minerva nodded.
Severus considered. "All right. But just a year."
Minerva went off on her travels. But a year turned into two. And then she met Fergus MacLeod.
Severus was at least invited to the small wedding.
"I am sorry..." Minerva said.
"You're not coming back, are you?" Severus guessed.
Minerva shook her head. "No. Fergus is the Laird and very hands on. Going away for an extended time is not something he is prepared to do. And we've talked about starting a magical primary school. That would be a boon to Hogwarts, if we can prepare students before they get to you."
"That would be good," Severus agreed reluctantly.
When Severus sent a letter of resignation to the Board of Governors, Augusta Longbottom, of all people, reached out to him.
"Do not take this wrong," she said briskly, "but who else would you trust as Headmaster?"
That made Severus pause.
"Exactly!" she replied when he did not immediately reply. "I know you did not want to return as Headmaster but, to be honest, right now there is no one who would put the students first. The Board would certainly find qualified candidates but none of them would fight for the students the way you would."
"I do not know..." Severus hedged.
"You should at least wait until you have a replacement you can be confident about," Augusta said firmly. "That is all I ask."
Severus rubbed his forehead, aware he had no good answer for her.
Emboldened by the support he had received from the Board, Severus cautiously took on new Professors, hired more help for the Heads of House, and introduced -- or rather, re-introduced -- subjects like History of Magic, Estate Management, Political Studies, and Alchemy into the curriculum. There were an equal number of why make any changes and it's about time something changed from everywhere. So he ignored them all.
Then Potter applied to teach Estate Management.
Fresh from his defeat of Voldemort, Potter had been whisked away to Auror training. Not having anything else he wanted to do, he went along with the training. The good news was that he learned more about his magic in a year than he had in all the years he had spent at Hogwarts. The bad news was that there was a plan to not really let Potter be an Auror, but to be a figure head for the Ministry. A role Potter hated.
"Why are you looking to teach Estate Management?" Severus asked baldly.
"I'm doing nothing productive for the Ministry, and you know it. I'm The-Boy-Who-Defeated-Voldemort that they trot out as needed," Harry replied honestly. "And as the Lord of two Noble and Ancient Houses, I'm not sure anyone else is more qualified."
"True," Severus reluctantly agreed.
"And if you don't hire me, I'm leaving Britain," Harry went on. "I'm done with being a figurehead and want to do something meaningful."
"Does the Minister know?" Severus asked.
"You're the first one I've told," Harry admitted. "Not even Ron and Hermione know."
"If you go too far, your friends will be... disappointed," Severus said.
"I need to do this for me," Harry said stubbornly.
"Merlin help us both," Severus sighed, looking around his office at the portraits of the previous Headmasters. Even Phineas Nigellus Black, who generally liked no one, was nodding approval. "You're hired."
Harry had smiled broadly.
The portraits applauded.
****
It had taken time. Severus and Harry -- 'Potter' soon became 'Harry' -- were both wary and remained scrupulously polite to each other in public and in private. Time and proximity turned them into friends. Loneliness and more time turned them into lovers. They both knew no one else would understand them the way they needed.
Twenty years later, Severus announced softly to Harry, "It's time to go."
Harry looked up from his marking. "You're finally ready?"
"I've found someone I trust to take over," Severus admitted.
"Ah! That is excellent!" Harry smiled.
"We can finish up the school year, spend the summer working on the transition, and then... do what we want," Severus said.
"Sounds like a plan," Harry smiled. "Let me finish these papers and then I can celebrate with you properly."
****
Dinner was excellent, as always. The House Elves had made all of their favorites and ended with Harry's treacle tart and Severus' Battenberg cake. They had packed over the summer and only their last belongings needed to be gathered.
Harry and Severus were both happy and nostalgic about leaving Hogwarts, but they knew the school would be in good hands.
They walked down to the Gate, hand in hand. As they approached the edge of the school property, they turned for one last look.
"We can come back, you know," Harry said softly. "To visit."
"Not for a bit, I think," Severus said. He looked over and held out a hand to the new Headmaster. "You will do fine."
Neville Longbottom blushed. "You made it look easy and I'll have a hard act to follow." He took Severus' hand.
"Nonsense," Severus replied. "Rely on the faculty to support you, and we're only an owl away."
"Thank you," Neville nodded. "You take care of yourselves."
"We get to do that, now, don't we?" Severus turned to Harry.
"We do!" Harry agreed.
"Have fun, then!" Neville waved.
Severus put an arm around Harry and apparated them away. To their new home.
Author:
Characters/Pairings: Harry Potter/Severus Snape
Rating: PG
Word Count: 1800
Content/Warning(s): None
Summary/Prompt: 58 - Tis the eve of Headmaster Snape's retirement. He's feeling a bit sentimental.
A/N: Many thanks to M to listen to me whine about this fic as I wrote it. And to patient mods who run a great fest!
Read on AO3 or below:
"I will see you later," Severus said, leaning over the table for a soft kiss.
"Have fun," Harry smiled.
It was their last full day at Hogwarts. Harry and Severus were leaving in the morning and Severus wanted one last, good look at the school. Harry had volunteered to come along but was easily dissuaded. This was something Severus wanted to do on his own.
Severus continued his self-imposed walk as the sun set. He had foregone robes, walking in slacks and a long sleeved shirt. For all that it was August, he knew part of his route would be cool. He also did not want to put on sunscreen -- although he could use a charm -- and the sleeves would protect his pale skin.
Starting after breakfast, he had strolled across the grounds, stopped by the Centaur village in the forest, skipped rocks into the lake and watched the giant squid lazily wave its tentacles, harvested a few potions ingredients that were unique to the forest, and walked across the Quidditch pitch.
A House Elf had brought him lunch and cool water when he stopped to rest during his walk in the forest.
"Thank you, Wynde," Severus said.
"Leave the basket, I will come for it later. Dinner will be ready when you wants," Wynde said cheerfully. "Just call."
"I will," Severus nodded.
The flask of water was refreshing and the ham was thickly sliced between hearty grain bread. A packet of freshly made crisps was nestled next to the sandwich. Severus ate slowly, enjoying the warm, sunny day in the shade. There was an apple and a pear, which he put in a pocket for later. Refreshed, Severus continued his walk.
Inside the castle, Severus walked his old patrol route. Even without students, he watched for anomalies and problems, vigilant to the end. He ate the apple while standing in the doorway to the potions lab. He had spent so much of his life in this room. He turned and walked away without entering.
It was full dark when he ended up at the Astronomy tower. The breeze was cool but he was warm from his exertions, so he wasn't immediately chilled. While and black hair flew about his face, moved by the breeze. He drew a hair tie out of his pocket, to hold the shoulder-length hair out of his face.
He ignored the stars in the clear sky above, instead looking for the lights of Hogsmeade. The forest was dark, as it should be, although he could see the outline of thestrals flying against the night sky, just beyond Hagrid's hut.
Light footsteps came up the stairway and moved next to him.
"It is beautiful," Harry said, leaning into Severus.
"It is," Severus agreed. He took the pear out of his pocket. "For you."
Harry laughed. The Elves knew it was Harry that adored pears but they gave them to Severus.
"Thank you," Harry said. He bit into the crisp, juicy fruit. The Elves knew he preferred pears to be just under-ripe and they kept the fruit under stasis for him.
Severus put an arm around Harry's shoulder as he ate the pear, content to enjoy the night.
"Wynde has dinner for when we want," Severus said as Harry finished. Harry vanished what little was left of the core and wiped his hand on his jeans.
"It is getting late," Harry nodded.
Severus took Harry's hand and they walked slowly to their suite.
****
It had taken Severus a long year to recover from Nagini's bite, after Harry rescued his unconscious body from the Shrieking Shack. Poppy had done what she could and, in the end, rest and using his magic as little as possible was prescribed for Severus.
Severus had put up a fight as Minerva settled Severus into his old rooms in Hogwarts.
She had stood at the end of his bed, her hands on her hips. "I need all the bloody help I can get in putting Hogwarts back together. You can't do physical work but I need advice and someplace to vent!" she had said. Then her voice softened. "And I need a friend."
Severus had blinked. "I have not been a good friend to you." His voice was a whisper, all that he could do as yet.
"Well, you can start to be a better friend by staying here," Minerva said tartly.
Severus had capitulated at that point. Minerva and Poppy came by regularly to have tea and talk, most at him since his throat was not up to talking very much in the beginning.
As his body healed from the years of abuse heaped upon him, Severus came to enjoy the time to just be. When the school re-opened, he didn't formally teach anything but he spent time in the Library, tutoring students for the time they missed or helped the Muggleborn students learn more about the Wizarding world.
Not being a Head of House or a Professor was liberating in many ways.
Five years later, when Minerva announced she wanted to take some time away from Hogwarts, she gave Severus back the Headmaster's role.
"I don't want it," Severus protested.
"Just for a year," Minerva countered. "I've spent my life here and I want to get out, travel, see something outside of Hogwarts while I still can."
"Just a year?" Severus asked.
Minerva nodded.
Severus considered. "All right. But just a year."
Minerva went off on her travels. But a year turned into two. And then she met Fergus MacLeod.
Severus was at least invited to the small wedding.
"I am sorry..." Minerva said.
"You're not coming back, are you?" Severus guessed.
Minerva shook her head. "No. Fergus is the Laird and very hands on. Going away for an extended time is not something he is prepared to do. And we've talked about starting a magical primary school. That would be a boon to Hogwarts, if we can prepare students before they get to you."
"That would be good," Severus agreed reluctantly.
When Severus sent a letter of resignation to the Board of Governors, Augusta Longbottom, of all people, reached out to him.
"Do not take this wrong," she said briskly, "but who else would you trust as Headmaster?"
That made Severus pause.
"Exactly!" she replied when he did not immediately reply. "I know you did not want to return as Headmaster but, to be honest, right now there is no one who would put the students first. The Board would certainly find qualified candidates but none of them would fight for the students the way you would."
"I do not know..." Severus hedged.
"You should at least wait until you have a replacement you can be confident about," Augusta said firmly. "That is all I ask."
Severus rubbed his forehead, aware he had no good answer for her.
Emboldened by the support he had received from the Board, Severus cautiously took on new Professors, hired more help for the Heads of House, and introduced -- or rather, re-introduced -- subjects like History of Magic, Estate Management, Political Studies, and Alchemy into the curriculum. There were an equal number of why make any changes and it's about time something changed from everywhere. So he ignored them all.
Then Potter applied to teach Estate Management.
Fresh from his defeat of Voldemort, Potter had been whisked away to Auror training. Not having anything else he wanted to do, he went along with the training. The good news was that he learned more about his magic in a year than he had in all the years he had spent at Hogwarts. The bad news was that there was a plan to not really let Potter be an Auror, but to be a figure head for the Ministry. A role Potter hated.
"Why are you looking to teach Estate Management?" Severus asked baldly.
"I'm doing nothing productive for the Ministry, and you know it. I'm The-Boy-Who-Defeated-Voldemort that they trot out as needed," Harry replied honestly. "And as the Lord of two Noble and Ancient Houses, I'm not sure anyone else is more qualified."
"True," Severus reluctantly agreed.
"And if you don't hire me, I'm leaving Britain," Harry went on. "I'm done with being a figurehead and want to do something meaningful."
"Does the Minister know?" Severus asked.
"You're the first one I've told," Harry admitted. "Not even Ron and Hermione know."
"If you go too far, your friends will be... disappointed," Severus said.
"I need to do this for me," Harry said stubbornly.
"Merlin help us both," Severus sighed, looking around his office at the portraits of the previous Headmasters. Even Phineas Nigellus Black, who generally liked no one, was nodding approval. "You're hired."
Harry had smiled broadly.
The portraits applauded.
****
It had taken time. Severus and Harry -- 'Potter' soon became 'Harry' -- were both wary and remained scrupulously polite to each other in public and in private. Time and proximity turned them into friends. Loneliness and more time turned them into lovers. They both knew no one else would understand them the way they needed.
Twenty years later, Severus announced softly to Harry, "It's time to go."
Harry looked up from his marking. "You're finally ready?"
"I've found someone I trust to take over," Severus admitted.
"Ah! That is excellent!" Harry smiled.
"We can finish up the school year, spend the summer working on the transition, and then... do what we want," Severus said.
"Sounds like a plan," Harry smiled. "Let me finish these papers and then I can celebrate with you properly."
****
Dinner was excellent, as always. The House Elves had made all of their favorites and ended with Harry's treacle tart and Severus' Battenberg cake. They had packed over the summer and only their last belongings needed to be gathered.
Harry and Severus were both happy and nostalgic about leaving Hogwarts, but they knew the school would be in good hands.
They walked down to the Gate, hand in hand. As they approached the edge of the school property, they turned for one last look.
"We can come back, you know," Harry said softly. "To visit."
"Not for a bit, I think," Severus said. He looked over and held out a hand to the new Headmaster. "You will do fine."
Neville Longbottom blushed. "You made it look easy and I'll have a hard act to follow." He took Severus' hand.
"Nonsense," Severus replied. "Rely on the faculty to support you, and we're only an owl away."
"Thank you," Neville nodded. "You take care of yourselves."
"We get to do that, now, don't we?" Severus turned to Harry.
"We do!" Harry agreed.
"Have fun, then!" Neville waved.
Severus put an arm around Harry and apparated them away. To their new home.