Chapter 2
Graduation came and went and as promised both Peter and Severus took up jobs close to each other.
Severus of course got a job at an apothecary shop and Peter, much to his own surprise and to Severus’s happiness, ended up working at a book shop.
Despite their agreement to have lunch together, Severus’s lunch time varied every day. So on days that they couldn’t meet Peter, during the end of his lunch break, would stop by the apothecary shop with lunch and sometimes a new book for Severus to enjoy for when he could have lunch himself.
Severus always felt bad when he couldn't meet up with Peter for lunch but the feeling turned into adoration the minute Peter stopped by with a bag of food and a book.
"Here, I'm not sure if you read it or not but I know you finished your last book and I thought you might enjoy this one" Peter explained as he handed Severus the bag of food and the new book.
Severus felt his heart flutter at Peter's words and he was sure his face had turned red "Thank you, Peter, this is very sweet of you. I'm sure I'll enjoy this book." He spoke with a smile as he took the items.
"Oh and thanks again for bringing me lunch, I don't know what I'd do without you" He stepped forward and hugged Peter tightly and placed a kiss on his cheek "I'll see you after work, okay?" He asked as he pulled away.
Peter, with his cheeks burning red, smiled and nodded "Of course, I'll stop by after my shift ends and we can head home" Severus nodded and after they both said their goodbyes, Peter quickly headed back to his place of work.
True to his word Peter waited for Severus outside the apothecary shop and after a minute or two Severus walked out. The two greeted eachother, took eachothers hand and walked down to the entrance into the alley. As they walked the pair spoke about their day, once they reached the entrance they stepped through and entered the pud.
They both greeted the pub owner as the exited the leaky cauldron. The pair walked down the sidewalk towards their apartment building.
It had taken them some time to save up money for a new place to live because 3 years after graduating from hogwarts Severus had promptly worked on getting his potions masteries, so saving money for a new home was difficult. Tho Peter and Severus had managed to secure an apartment close to the leaky cauldron that was at a reasonable price some time after Severus became an official Potions Master. Before this Peter had moved in with Severus at his childhood home, several days after Severus's father had died after graduation.
Despite already having a home to live in together Severus was determined to look for a new place. Having packed up all his things the minute he graduated, prepared to leave the first chance he got and Peter knew why. He had kept his own things packed up, not wanting to have Severus stay in the house any longer then he needed to.
Peter had been the one to find the apartment and was quick to take it. He went home that day with a key to his and Severus’s new home.
He practically barged into the house and had to apologize perfusely for startling Severus, who had been pouring himself some tea at the moment.
"Bloody hell! Peter!" Severus set down the kettle pot and went to the sink to pour cold water over his hand. Peter, who was breathing heavily from running, rushed over inorder to help "Hell, Severus, I'm sorry, truly I really am!" He pulled out his wand and casted a quick scrougify before heading over to Severus.
"It's fine, Pete, just what on earth had you barging in here like that anyways?" Severus asked as Peter casted a simple healing spell on his hand. Upon hearing the question Peter was reminded on why he had barged in and his excitement grew.
"I got something for you, close your eyes and hold out your hand" He said happily and fished out the key that was in his pocket. Severus gave him a curious look before closing his eyes and holding out his hand.
Peter gently placed the key in the palm of Severus’s hand "Now open your eyes" Severus did just that and looked down at his hand and eyed the key curiously.
Severus looked back up at Peter and gave him a questioning look "A key? You got me a key? What ever for?" He questioned as he examined the key. Peter's smile never faltered "Yes, it's a key, a key to your new home"
Severus’s eyes widen and he looked up at Peter in disbelief "No..."
Peter nodded "Yes"
Severus teared up and before Peter could say another word, there were lips covering his own.
The kiss lasted for only a second but to Peter it had been amazing. Severus had gushed about getting his things, seemingly unaware of having kissed him, and raced out of the kitchen and up to his old room.
Peter, on the other hand, was left frozen in place. A large smile on his face after receiving his very first kiss from his crush. After a few second Peter snapped out of his daze and went to go collect his own things.
After several minutes both boys had gathered all of their belongings and left to their new home.
The next day Severus had placed his childhood home up for sale at a very low price. He didn’t care for the money, he simply wanted to get rid of it and a few hours after he set his home up for sale it had been bought, and both boys went out to celebrate.
Since then Peter had noticed that Severus looked happier and more at peace. Not only that but their relationship had also changed due to the kiss. They both danced around eachother for months, both afraid to make a move.
It wasn’t until one particular night that Severus woke up screaming from a nightmare that helped speed things up. Peter, who had slept on an inflatable mattress in the living room, raced into the only bedroom, given to Severus, and over to him.
Severus had quickly latched onto Peter and despite not saying a word but simply crying, Peter knew what had happened.
Because outside up in the nightsky was a full moon, and every full moon Severus had the same nightmare. Dreams of what had happened to him back in their 5th year down in the shrieking shack. That night was spent with Peter holding Severus in his arms and whispering calming words to him.
The pair fell asleep together that night and since then Peter and Severus shared the room upon Severus’s request. A week later and Peter managed to summon up some courage and confessed to Severus.
Severus's response to Peter's confession was to pull him into a kiss and confess to feeling the exact same way. Since then the two had began a romantic relationship and they both couldn't be happier.
The pair soon reached their apartment building and quickly headed inside. They took the stairs, the feeling of levitating still caused Severus to panic so taking the elevator was not an option. They reached their floor and walked to their apartment door, Severus took out the key from his pocket and unlocked the door. Severus stepped inside first and Peter went in afterwards.
Peter shut the door and set about locking it. They had added several more locks on the door due to Severus’s suggestions and Peter hadn't any reason to deny his request. After what Severus had gone through it was understandable that he would want to add all sorts of protection to their home and Peter had no issues with it if it made Severus feel safe and happy.
"Peter, do you wanna order take-out?"
Peter smiled to himself "Yeah, that sounds great" He made his way into the small kitchen where Severus stood "Do you want me to order, that way you can go take a bath?" He asked and Severus couldn't help but flush.
Severus nodded and looked away shyly and Peter wished he could take a picture of him at this exact moment "Alright, I'll get you your favorite" He stated as he wrapped his arms around Severus and pressed a kiss to his neck.
"Peter!"
Peter laughed as Severus pushed him away, his face completely red. Peter pulled Severus into a kiss as Severus made to walk past him. Severus melted and kissed back before pulling away and flicking Peter's forehead and heading to the bathroom.
Peter yelped at the sudden action and laughed a second later. He watched Severus leave before going to pick up the phone and order food for them both, a large smile on his face.
Who would have thought that befriending Severus Snape would lead to this.