Chapter 2
The next week flew by in a blur and it was Thursday before Harry knew it. The three of them collapsed around a table as soon as the door was locked.
Hermione plopped her feet in Harry’s lap with a groan. He didn’t hesitate to pry off her sneakers and began giving her feet a rub. She rested her head back and closed her eyes.
“You have magic hands, Harry. If I wasn’t madly in love with Pansy as well as a flaming lesbian, I would have snapped you up long ago.”
Ron rested his feet on Harry’s other leg and wiggled them. He barked out a laugh when Harry gave him the same treatment.
“So true Mione. Our Harry spoils us.”
The three best friends enjoyed the quiet for a few minutes before getting down to business.
“Alright. Ron, you’re handling the socials and flyers right?” Hermione consulted the checklist in front of her.
“Yep. Luna and I have bounced around ideas, actually. We’re thinking birthday theme. Balloons, games, maybe a Photo Booth? What do you guys think?”
Hermione and Harry both grinned. The three of them thought so much alike, they might as well share one brain.
“That works perfectly with the cake idea I had. Speaking of which, I need the flavors from Luna and Pansy. I think I know already but I just want to make sure. I have red velvet with a cream cheese filling for Ron, a lemon with blueberry filling for Hermione, and of course chocolate on chocolate for myself.” Harry made notes as he spoke, sketching out the layers and writing the flavors down.
Hermione groaned, “Everything sounds amazing. Pansy loves hazelnut and raspberry. Would that work?”
Harry nodded, making more notes. He glanced at Ron who made a face.
“Mate, it changes daily. Today she sent me a text saying she picked up a-“ Ron glanced at his phone, “matcha cupcake from the bakery around the corner from the primary school she works at and that she will never love anything as much as she loves it. Then she added ‘unless Harry makes it then I’m sure it will be even better, but don’t tell Myriam as I’m sure it would hurt her feelings.’ I don’t even know Myriam.” Ron shook his head.
Harry gave a chuckle. Luna had a heart of gold and never wanted to upset anyone. She was the kindest person he knew. “I can do matcha. But I do need to know for sure soon so I can start making the order list and doing test runs.”
“I’ll confirm with her tonight and shoot you a text. But going with the birthday theme then?” Ron made his own notes. “I’ll have a flyer mock-up as well as a list of the social posts. Harry, darling, dear, my own true love, incredibly handsome man-“
“You want me to do a TikTok, don’t you?” Harry said flatly.
“Oh come on Harry, they love you. Our videos skyrocket when you’re in them. It’s your eyes.” Ron nudged his thigh with his toes as he fluttered his eyelashes. “Just a few. We’ll do the usual foam art ones, a few of us working with music laid over, and some funny trends… but we gotta have some baking ones. Especially leading up to the big day.”
Harry rolled his eyes but agreed. He knew the videos of him covered in flour never failed to bring in followers and views but he always felt so awkward in front of the camera. Ron did all the work for the social media though, so it was a small price to pay for not having to deal with all that mess.
Hermione went down her list. “Ok, so that’s theme and socials taken care of. We’ve discussed cake. We still have to talk about the rest of the sweet and savory dishes. And the drinks.” Hermione chewed on her bottom lip, a bad habit from stressing about exams.“There’s also something else I want to bring up with you both.”
“I’m still working on the list for everything else. I know I want to make some of our more popular items but I thought I’d also introduce a few new ones I want to put in the rotation. Drinks, I’m thinking the same. Have our usual coffee, some teas, and actual alcohol for the after-hours celebration…. But what do you guys think about starting smoothies? We could showcase one or two before rolling it out? I’ve done some research and smoothies are really becoming popular, especially with college students.”
Silence was his answer. He glanced up and saw they were both staring at him incredulously.
“Well. That leads in nicely to what I want to bring up.” Hermione rolled her neck and jumped up to run to her office. She sat back down at the table and pushed a folder across the table to each of them. “We are doing really well. I’ve run the numbers several times. Not only can we each take a significant raise if we wanted, we could also do some improvements in the space. Upgrade machines, computer, sound system.” Her voice trailed off as she rested her feet back in Harry’s lap.
“I’m hearing a but.” Ron said as he looked through the papers.
“But… I think we should hire a few people.”
Harry felt a twist in his stomach. It had always just been the three of them. Hermione handled all the business and administration needs, Ron did the social media, advertisements, and customer service, and Harry created the food and drinks they served. They all pitched in where the others needed help but since the doors opened it was just them. Sure, Pansy and Luna joined in occasionally when they had an event but they were just extensions of Hermione and Ron to Harry.
“I don’t know…” He trailed off when he saw Hermione deflate. He couldn’t stand seeing her face like that. “Alright. Alright. I’m not saying no. Just… talk me through how this would work.”
And she did. She showed them their profits, how if they had more people they would better serve their customers, how it would give each of them more time off so they didn’t get burned out, as well as assured them she would do all the initial interviews to narrow down candidates before all three of them sat in with prospective employees to make sure they all meshed well.
“And if we hired more people, we could start serving smoothies,” She added with an eyebrow wiggle.
“Ok. It makes me nervous, I’m not going to lie. But that’s more about wanting it to stay just us than any real issues. Ron?” Harry looked at their other business partner and best friend.
Ron shrugged helplessly. “We need people. She’s right. You know she is. None of us have taken a day off unless we’re sick and then we have to shut the shop down early because we can’t handle the amount of customers we have or we run out of baked goods.”
“If the two of you think it’s a good idea then let’s work up an ad asking for help.” Harry rubbed his temples. “How many people were you thinking?”
“You need at least one assistant baker at a minimum and we need probably two more people up front, maybe three to rotate if they want part-time. With the university right there we could probably find some students that want to make extra money.” Hermione consulted her notes, making more as she spoke. “I have a rough draft of what I was thinking we could post on Indeed as well as our socials.” She handed a copy to each of them. “Again, utilizing the university, we could post flyers on their boards or reach out to the culinary program.”
“Ok let’s get those up this week and take applications for the next week and then meet again to go through them? Then you can call them in for initial interviews and we go from there, yeah?” Ron said.
“That works! Speaking of university though…” Hermione grinned wickedly, “How’s Handsome Black Coffee Man?”
“His name is Severus, which you very well know, you horrible woman. I should never have told you I called him that to his face!” Harry groaned. He had actually seen Severus a few times throughout the week but he had been so busy he hadn’t been able to do more than flash him a smile and wave.
“Well, he can’t take his eyes off you whenever you come up front, mate. He’s much better at hiding it than you to be honest. So I think you have a shot.” Ron said encouragingly.
“Brilliant. Now if I can just get him to actually speak to me longer than five minutes. Or go on a date with me. You would have thought I insulted him when I asked him to dinner!” Harry threw his hands up.
His two best friends exchanged exasperated looks. They had heard him rant about that for going on a week now. They were going back and forth making faces at each other when Harry snapped.
“What’s with the faces?”
“I mean…. It was bold, wasn’t it? You barely know him.” Hermione murmured gently, laying her hand on his.
“Bold has served me well in the past! Remember that Italian bloke that was at Pansy’s shop?”
“I think he was the bold one there. Pansy still hasn’t forgiven you for the dressing room incident.”
“Oi! I replaced the cushion.”
Peels of laughter filled the air. The trio were all wiping tears and holding their sides, gasping for air.
“God, we’ve been so busy lately I don’t remember the last time we got to sit around and talk.” Ron wiped the tears from his eyes.
Hermione bounced excitedly and practically shouted, “Let’s go out this weekend! We can get the group together and go to that new pub down the way!”
“Gotta be Saturday night. I’m not trying to bake hungover,” Harry said with a laugh.
“Yes!” Ron cheered, pumping his fists in the air.
Harry knocked their legs off of him. “Alright, up you get! Pansy and Luna won’t wait all night!”
The three chatted as they gathered their things and locked up.
Harry arrived at home, toeing off his shoes and setting his keys on the entrance table next to his wallet. He padded into the bathroom, removed his contacts, and slid on his glasses. He blinked as his eyes adjusted.
He flopped down on his couch and propped his feet up on the coffee table. He pulled out his phone and set about scrolling through TikTok to wind down from the day. He did a double take when about five minutes into scrolling, he came across a video of Severus teaching. The caption mentioned his deep voice and how hot he was, which Harry had to agree with. He watched as Severus lectured on Ancient Greece, the man’s elegant hands gesturing as he spoke.
He wasn’t sure how long he sat there watching it over and over, when he heard a pitiful cry outside. He glanced up, brows furrowed. It came again even louder. He got up to look out the window but he couldn’t see anything. An even longer yowl sounded and he rushed to throw open the front door. On his stoop was the most pitiful tiny kitten.
“Oh, look at you.” Harry crooned as he crouched, moving slowly as to not frighten the poor thing. He held out his hand for it to sniff. The kitten stared up at him with big golden eyes, its head bobbling with the effort to hold it up. “Hey there kitty. What are you doing here?” He stroked one finger down its speckled back. “C’mere. Let’s get you inside.”
He scooped the multicolored cat up and brought it to his chest. He scratched under the kittens chin and its eyes closed in happiness. He grabbed his phone on the way to the kitchen to google how to care for kittens and if there were any vets in the area still open. He wasn’t sure how old the kitten was and shot a text to Luna to see if she could help. She was always rescuing animals. He then sent the picture to everyone in the group chat.
His phone began buzzing with everyone’s questions and comments about how cute the kitty was. Pansy in particular gushed about murder mittens. Luna suggested a vet she knew would be open tomorrow and offered to come by and take the kitten for him since it was a half day at the school. She also said not to give the kitten cows milk since it could upset its tummy but that if he had any goats milk it would work in a pinch.
“Luna, you’re a godsend,” he said out loud as he opened his fridge. He did actually have some goats milk as he had been experimenting with different ingredients for future menu items. He poured some in a small bowl which he set on the floor with the kitten.
The kitten pounced on the milk like it had been starving. It made little mrowmrowmrow noises as it ate. Harry laughed as he sat next to it. The little thing had milk all over its face. The kittens fur was soft under his fingers as he stroked down its back.
“Alright, sweetheart, I’m going to run to the store to get you some food and a litter box. You be good! I’ll be right back.” Harry nuzzled his nose against the kittens as he carried it to the bathroom. His heart broke when he heard its plaintive cries as he walked away.
He rushed to the store, not wanting the new baby to think he had abandoned it. He grabbed a cart and headed to the pet aisle where he started throwing everything he thought he might need into the cart.
“Food, litter, litter box… is it too little for a collar? Best wait to see what the vet says.” Harry muttered to himself as he made his selections. He spotted the kitten milk on the top shelf and reached for it but realized he was too short.
Well, this is humiliating.
Harry gave a little jump but still couldn’t reach it. His ran his hands down his face as he gave out a frustrated groan.
“Harry?”
Of course he’s here. Why wouldn’t he be?
Harry turned and saw Severus staring at him with a raised eyebrow holding a loaf of bread. Harry waved sheepishly.
“Uhhh… I found a cat and I’m not sure how old it is and it’s sitting in my bathroom at the moment. So I ran out to get supplies. My friend Luna is taking it to the vet tomorrow but I don’t want it to starve in the meantime and I can’t reach the bloody kitten milk!” Harry spoke in a rush.
“I see.” Severus stepped into the aisle and easily grabbed the milk off the top shelf. He handed it off to Harry who turned red when he realized how close the other man had gotten.
“Thanks!” His voice squeaked. He cleared his throat. “Thanks.” He looked up at the taller man and smiled. He leaned in slightly and said with a wink, “You’re my hero.”
Severus appeared to be biting back an amused smile if the twinkle in his eye was any indication. He glanced at the cart full of kitten supplies. “No toys?” His dark eyes flicked to Harry’s green ones before he grabbed a feather toy. “Here. You’ll need this. Kittens have a lot of energy.”
“Do you like cats?” Harry knew he needed to get back but he was desperate for any knowledge of this man no matter how seemingly trivial. He threw a few more toys into the cart along with a soft bed.
“I do actually.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Mine passed away last year. She was quite old. Almost 20.” A flicker of grief passed through his eyes.
Harry hesitantly laid a hand on Severus’ arm. “I’m very sorry.”
Severus nodded curtly and took a small step back. “Yes well, you should probably get home to your new roommate.”
“I really should.” Harry glanced at his phone and winced. Who knew how much of a mess the kitten had made of his bathroom in the almost forty minutes he had been shopping. “It was great to see you, Severus. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to say hi in the shop. We’ve been slammed.”
Severus just waved that away and the two men parted ways. Harry walked toward the check out but tried to watch Severus as he walked away.
Harry paid and then realized exactly how much trouble it was going to be to get everything home. He rubbed his temples and just stared at the bags. He heaved a deep sigh and started to gather everything in his arms, trying to balance all the bags to make it easier for the trek home.
As soon as he walked through the glass doors to the outside, he fumbled, spilling stuff onto the ground.
“Motherfucker!” He bent to pick the items up and only managed to spill more. He let loose a stream of curses.
He heard someone clear their throat behind him. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back.
Why does he continue to find me in my most mortifying moments?
Without turning he said, “Hello again, Severus.”
“Are you alright?”
The shorter man turned slowly. “What about this situation says ‘alright’ to you?” He narrowed his green eyes as Severus didn’t even bother to smother his amused smirk this time.
“I bought too much and now I have to lug it home. I’m an idiot. I’m aware.” Harry crossed his arms and pouted. “Heroes shouldn’t laugh at damsels in distress.”
“I’m no hero and you’re no damsel.” Severus said dryly.
“Semantics.” Harry threw his hands up.
“Dramatic.”
Harry laid a hand on his chest and gasped. “Excuse you. My feelings are hurt.”
Severus let out a bark of laughter before he could stop himself. “Are they?” He drawled.
“They are indeed. And to make it up to me, you can help me carry this home.” Harry gestured to the bags on the concrete behind him.
“You know I was going to offer anyway.”
“I don’t actually but I’m glad you agree. Come on.”
The two men gathered the bags and began to walk in silence towards Harry’s home.
Severus was the one who broke the quiet. “I wasn’t aware you wore glasses.”
Harry made an abrupt movement toward his face, but was hindered but the bags. “I forgot I was wearing them. I normally wear contacts at the shop. I find it’s easier to bake that way personally. I had a few too many mishaps with them falling off into flour when I first started.” He could feel his cheeks flush with the admission.
“How exactly did you manage to do that?” Severus’ voice was equal parts confused and amused.
”I’m talented but I wouldn’t say I’m graceful.”
It was only a few more steps before they were standing outside Harry’s door.
Harry struggled to unlock the door and Severus reached from behind to take the bags from him. Harry shivered at the feeling of Severus’ chest against his back and shoved open the door.
“Here we go. Just set them down in the kitchen. I’m gonna go let it out.” Harry spoke loudly over the cries of the kitten that started up as soon as they walked in the door and gestured in the direction of the kitchen.
He opened the bathroom door and scooped the kitten up. He walked towards the kitchen crooning softly. “Hush now, darling. You’re alright. I’m back and I’ve brought a friend.”
Harry stopped in the doorway and watched Severus unpack the bags. His eyes were glued to the other man’s hands as they stacked food and milk on the counter. Severus turned at the kittens meow and Harry melted at the sight of Severus’ gaze softening when he looked at it.
“You wanna hold it?”
The other man nodded and reached out his hands. Those long fingers wrapped around the kitten and began to scratch under its neck. A small smile played over his lips as the kitten purred loudly at the attention.
“Do you know the sex yet?” Severus asked quietly.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. “To be honest with you I have no idea how to tell that. And I didn’t want to offend it by trying to get fresh the first meeting.”
Severus chuckled and took a quick glance under the kittens tail. “Congrats, it’s a girl.”
“Is she really?” Harry asked curiously.
“I assure you she is, in fact, a she. Have you thought of names?” His fingers never once stopped their petting even as the kitten butted her head against his chin.
“She likes you!” Harry was delighted. “And no, I haven’t really had the time. Any suggestions?” Harry began setting up the food bowls and litter box as he asked. He bent over to spoon the food into the bowl once the litter box was taken care of. When Severus didn’t answer, he looked over his shoulder at him.
Harry couldn’t help the smirk when he realized where Severus’ eyes had strayed to. He cleared his throat and those dark eyes met his before darting away. He straightened up and walked across the room, pausing to toss the can in the trash and the spoon in the sink. He stopped in front of Severus, whose cheeks had the faintest hint of pink painting them.
He gave the kitten a quick scratch under her chin before taking her from Severus and setting her down on the floor. He stepped closer to Severus, whose breath hitched slightly. He gave a gentle smile as he tilted his head to the side. He leaned in and said, “Would you like something to drink?”
Severus strummed his fingers on the counter. “I really should be going.”
Harry hummed. “Come on. I’ll make tea. Unless you prefer hot chocolate?”
Severus hesitated. “Tea is fine.”
“Perfect. Take a seat on the couch. I’ll bring it right out,” Harry said, beaming.
Harry busied himself with setting up a tray with biscuits, milk, and sugar. When the kettle whistled, he added it alongside cups and tea bags. He carried the tray into the living room and set it on the table.
“Here we go. I also have honey if you’d prefer that.” Harry sat beside Severus and poured water into his cup. He then turned slightly towards the other man while he let his own tea steep for a bit.
Severus was careful not to disturb kitten asleep in his lap as he poured the water into his teacup. Harry had never wanted to be a kitten before but he could definitely see the appeal now. He rested his elbow on the back of the couch and laid his head in his hand as he watched.
“You’re very good with her. I think she likes you better than she likes me.”
“I doubt that very much. Besides, you’ve only had her a few hours at most. Once I leave, she will be clamoring for your attention.”
“To be honest I don’t blame her. If I had to choose which of us I wanted to pet me, I’d choose you as well.” Harry grinned as Severus’ eyes darted from the cat up to Harrys face. “Don’t be so shocked. I can’t be the only one. In fact, I’m sure I’m not based on a TikTok I saw earlier.” He laughed as the other man’s face turned disgruntled.
”I’ve already been informed by the Dean of my department about it. She found it humorous.”
“You don’t?”
“I’d rather my students respect me and listen to my lectures than make videos in class of them.”
Harry could tell Severus was becoming uncomfortable with the conversation so he changed the subject.
“Thank you again for helping me bring everything home. I hope you don’t have far to go to your own house.”
“I really don’t mind. And actually, I’m not far at all. I’m just over on Thistle Way.”
“How convenient.” Harry couldn’t help the purr that made its way into his voice. “Sugar?”
“Excuse me?”
Harry’s face was the picture of innocence as he gestured to the tray. “Do you want sugar? Milk?”
“Ah. Yes, please. Milk and two sugars if you don’t mind.”
Harry doctored their teas and handed Severus his. He waited until they had both taken a sip. “So you don’t mind a little sweetness in your drink. Why take your coffee black?”
Severus stayed silent for a moment before sighing. “My ex. He… he hated the smell and taste of coffee. Said it was barbaric. When things started to go bad between us, I began to drink it to annoy him. But I found I rather enjoyed the taste and so it became something I did for me instead.”
Harry watched him as he spoke. The myriad emotions that crossed Severus’ usually stoic face were fascinating to Harry. He was honored the man opened up even a tiny bit to him.
“Well, I obviously don’t hate coffee, though I prefer mine with a bit of sweetness.”
Severus shifted until he could look at Harry straight on. “What’s your favorite?”
“A mocha. Iced preferably. Horribly basic, I know but I love chocolate in all forms. An unfortunate side effect of being raised by my godfather and his chocoholic husband I think.” Harry shrugged and set his tea down. “Maybe I could make you one when you come in tomorrow?”
Severus made a considering noise. “Possibly. If I come in. I haven’t decided yet if I will.” His lips twitched.
“You’ve been in every day this week but the one day I offer to make you something better, you aren’t sure you’ll make it? Way to boost a man’s ego there, handsome.”
Severus set his cup down with a clink. “Don’t call me that.” He said tightly, his body tense. The kitten stirred at the movement and his long fingers stroked her soothingly.
Harry brought his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them. He rested his chin on his knees and tipped his head to the side. “What? Handsome? Can I ask why?”
“I’m not and I don’t appreciate being mocked. I should go.”
“Severus, wait.” Harry reached his hand out to grab the other man’s arm before he could stand. “I’m not mocking you.” He waited until those dark chocolate eyes met his. He could see the disbelief and slight anger in them. It broke his heart. “I don’t know who convinced you that you aren’t attractive but I promise you. I’m not mocking you in any way. Remember, I called you Handsome Black Coffee man until I learned your name. I asked you to dinner. I’ve flirted. I thought I had made my interest clear. But if not let me clarify.”
He hoped his eyes showed his sincerity as he spoke next. “I am extremely attracted to you. Have been since the first day in the Roost. I would love to get to know you better. I’d very much like to take you out on a date.” He kept his hand on Severus’ arm but loosened his grip, trailing his fingers up and down it.
The conflict of hope and disbelief in Severus’ eyes was clear. Harry kept his eyes steady on him as he inched closer. He reached to cup Severus face gently with his other hand, thumb lightly brushing his cheekbone. Severus’ eyes closed and his breath caught in his throat.
Harry leaned forward until he could feel the other man’s breath against his lips. He brushed their noses together and whispered, “Can I kiss you?”