Harry had been visiting Severus Snape ever since the end of the war and Severus woke up after nearly being killed by Voldemort's snake. Harry knew he had fallen in love with Severus. He wanted to be with him. Now all he needed to do was convince Severus that it was true, that they would last, that his love was real, that Severus deserved his love.
He did his best to spend as much time as he could with him. He made sure Severus was free. He got Severus rare and expensive potion ingredients. He got Severus fancy imported wine. He got him his favorite chocolate. He cooked dinner for him. He got tickets for Severus to the potions conference. He even became the DADA professor to be closer to Severus, as he decided to become the Potions Master again.
He thought it was going well. He knew it would take a lot to get through Severus' built up barriers. He knew it would take using all his skills to woo Severus Snape. He was a Slytherin after all. He had standards. He had morals. He had defenses against love.
But after a year things were getting ridiculous. Harry was desperate for any sign that Severus returned his feelings or was welcome to being more than friends. He thought they had finally come to some sort of understanding or that they had at least become somewhat friends. Severus wasn't kind, but he didn't hex Harry. Harry took that as a good sign. He knew that Severus would have cursed him if he didn't want him around anymore.
It all came to a head one day. Harry bet Severus that he could beat him in a game of darts. Harry said that if he won, he would get to finally have a kiss, and that if he lost he would leave Severus alone and wouldn't bother him anymore.
It was a close game, but Harry ultimately loss....
"Oh." Harry said as soon as Severus won. His gut sinking, his heart breaking. That hurt. He gathered himself together. Smiled at Severus one last time and left his quarters without a fight, without looking back. It would tear him up too much to look back. He refused to cry until he reached his quarters, where he sobbed his heart out.
He kept his promise. He left Severus alone, he no longer bothered him. He lost his appetite and his passion for teaching. It was too difficult to work closely with someone who rejected you. So he put in for a transfer to a different school. By next year he would be working at Durmstrang Institute in the States.
*
Severus was unsure about what to do now. He had finally gotten rid of Harry. He should be happy. He should be relieved. He was finally free of the sympathetic fool. So, why was he feeling this way? What was this sinking sensation? His stomach twist in knots. He didn't understand what this feeling was. He felt lonely, and adrift. He felt like he was missing something. That couldn't be right though. There was nothing different about his life or routine. Then why was he feeling so miserable?
It couldn't be because Harry left. No. That was ridiculous. He wanted to be rid of Harry, right?! Then why did his leaving hurt so much?
Oh. Oh no. Severus was in love with the bane of his existence, Harry bloody Potter. Oh no. Now what? He had ultimately pushed Harry away. How was he supposed to let Harry go now that he knew he loved Harry? How was he going to fix it?
"Harry has asked for a transfer. He will be going to Durmstrang Institute at the beginning of the year." Minerva told Severus during their routine tea time.
Severus choked on his tea. Harry was leaving? "Why?"
"Hmm. That was what I asked him. He said he was heartbroken and could no longer work with someone who rejected him." Minerva replied.
Severus grimaced. "Minerva is there any way I could also ask for a transfer?" With a hopeful tone.
She smirked at him. "Already filled one out. You will be there at the beginning of the year along with Harry. Good luck. Don't mess this up and make sure you bring him back with you."
Severus smirked back. "Of course."
*
It felt freeing to be here away from the sting of rejection. Harry froze upon seeing Severus there. It couldn't be. He was hallucinating. He had left Severus in Scotland. What was he doing here? He had stopped bothering Severus and left him alone.
Harry grew angry.
"What are you doing here?" Harry hissed at Severus.
"Fixing my mistake."
Harry huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. "Which was?"
"Letting you go. I realized to late that I am irrevocably in love with you."
Harry scowled at Severus. "You hurt me. I suffered over a year trying to woo you."
"I know. I am sorry. Please let me make it up to you."
Harry searched Severus' face. He nodded. He would let Severus woo him.
Severus wooed him within the year and they both went back to Hogwarts to marry.
THE END