When Baskets Fly
When Baskets Fly
Severus straightened up onto his knees with a quiet groan as his back protested the movement, having been hunched for a good long while. He massaged the back of his neck, rolling his head to achieve slightly painful, yet satisfying pops. He reached out to one of the two baskets next to him to grab the enchanted clippers to continue his work on the hemlock only for the basket to lift into the air and float just out of reach. He frowned and leaned, reaching out only to have his fingertips just graze the basket before it floated away a little bit further.
He surreptitiously looked around, years of double agency and war never quite leaving his being, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. He reached out with his magic to feel the wards, finding them completely intact and with only the expected peoples’ magic involved. He looked back at the basket, his eyes narrowing. Double checking his wand was in its holster on his hip beneath his shirt, he got to his feet.
He walked slowly towards the basket, finding himself continuing to walk as every time he got just within reach of the basket, it bounced further away on the air. He followed it along the house and around to the back door only for the door to open and the basket to float right on inside as though it were designed to do so. At this point, he had lost all his concern, to be replaced by amusement, fondness, and slight confusion. The basket led him to the quite-frankly-larger-than-it-needed-to-be open concept kitchen and dining room where it finally came to a stop, settling comfortably on the end of the dining table. At the other end was his husband, lounging in a chair with his legs crossed, an elbow draped over the back of the chair, and a smile on his face. As the basket settled, he let his hand with his wand drop onto his leg.
“Hello there, darling husband of mine,” Harry said, the amusement in his voice heavy.
Severus scowled just slightly at the pet name. It wasn’t common, but common enough that he had grown quite used to it. “Hello, love. What is the meaning of your little treasure hunt?”
Harry grinned widely. “Is that what it was? I wasn’t aware I was treasure to be found.”
This time Severus couldn’t help but roll his eyes. He wasn’t going to respond. Harry was constantly fishing for such comments about just how special he truly was to Severus, not because he was vain but because he'd gone his entire life hearing how unwanted and un-special he was or special in all the wrongs ways. However, for Severus, they were comments he personally preferred to show or tell in very particular settings.
Harry laughed, bouncing his foot.
“Harry, what is going on?”
Harry raised an eyebrow, the amused smile still on his face. “How did I know you were going to forget?”
“Forget what?” Severus asked, frowning now. What had he forgotten? It must not have been anything too important, otherwise Harry wouldn’t be so happy and amused.
“Severus,” Harry said, fond exasperation evident now, “we have a train to catch.”
Severus frowned further and Harry was the one to roll his eyes, laughing lightly.
“I do believe we have an anniversary celebration lined up for the next two weeks and we have a train to catch in thirty-five minutes,” Harry said.
Severus’ eyes widened. He had forgotten their anniversary! The trip they had had planned for the last year since it was their five-year anniversary! He let his eyes close with regret.
“Harry, love, I apologize—”
A hand covered his mouth, preventing anymore words, and his eyes opened, dropping down to meet Harry’s which were suddenly directly in front of him. They sparkled with humour.
“I know and no apology needed. I knew this would happen which is why I ensured I was off work today,” Harry said. “We’re packed and everything is ready to go. All I need is you.”
Severus pulled Harry’s hand from his mouth, giving the palm a kiss before twining their fingers and leaning down to capture his husband’s lips.
“I do so adore you,” Severus said quietly as he pulled away.
“And I you,” Harry said. “Thirty-two minutes.”
Severus rolled his eyes again as Harry laughed. He kissed his husband quickly again before heading upstairs to wash.
He had a train to catch.
Fin