Late Night
Late Night
Severus let out a deep breath as he finally finished the last of his marking and leaned back in his chair, stretching and wincing as his back popped from being hunched over for so long. He glanced at the clock on his desk and sighed at the late hour. He was meant to be back in his quarters more than two hours ago. He hoped Harry had just gone to bed.
He extinguished the candles he’d been working by and left his office, heading down the corridor to his rooms. The wards sparked around him as he entered and, despite the darkness as the fire had clearly gone out long ago, he was still able to spot the body folded awkwardly in one of the armchairs. He couldn’t help the small smile that crossed his face as he approached Harry, finding the teen asleep with his head in his hand on the armrest. He crouched down and put a hand on the boy’s leg.
“Harry, you will not be pleased tomorrow if you sleep like this,” he said quietly.
Harry just mumbled incomprehensible nothings and settled even more awkwardly into the chair, dropping his hand and letting his head rest on the armrest. Severus had no idea how the boy managed to fit in the places and positions he did. Sure, he was small for his age, but this still seemed impossible.
Seeing Harry was not waking anytime soon, Severus just sighed again, this time with far more fondness, and stood. He gently manhandled the boy until he was able to bring him into his arms, straightening and walking to the second bedroom. The boy hardly stirred, at least until he was placed on the bed and blankets were being pulled over him.
“Se’vr’s,” Harry mumbled as Severus pulled his glasses off.
“It’s me, child, go back to sleep,” Severus said, tugging the boy’s socks off.
“S’pose t’ play chess,” Harry slurred.
“I know, I apologize,” Severus said, tucking the blanket around the child. “Tomorrow, I promise.”
Harry just hummed, already fast asleep. Severus smiled at him again, brushed back the messy hair, and left to crawl into his own bed. It had been a late night.
Fin