Chapter 2
When Severus Snape survived the war, he was angry. He didn't understand what his purpose was anymore. He had done his job. He helped finally defeat Voldemort. He kept the boy alive. What more could fate ask of him? He was ready to leave. He wanted to die. But he survived. He was not happy about that. Why did he have to survive?
Then he felt an ache in his chest. Like something else needed him. Like he was supposed to survive because there was a greater good for him to live for. He didn't know what it was. He didn't deserve it. He had done so much evil. He made up for it by spying, and he thought that he had paid his penance. Now he had something else. Why? What did he do to deserve this?
He didn't even realize he had rejected his mate. It was an accident. Harry been trying something. He felt he was up to something. So he lashed out. He didn't mean to. Had fallen for him and didn't feel like it would ever be reciprocated. That led to him pushing Harry away. So, he was concerned when Harry looked so thin and weak. He overheard their little discussion at the party. He wanted to know who had hurt Harry so. He wanted to make sure he survived, because if anyone deserved love it was Harry. Who would be mean or stupid enough to reject him? He was also a little jealous. Severus had fallen for Harry over the last year of working with him for the war efforts. He was so easy to fall in love with. Harry deserved better though.
That was why he waited until everyone else left and spoke out trying to get Harry to talk about it with him. Little did he know...
"So ashamed of your mate, you won't tell your little friends who it is?" He barked at Harry. Harry jumped and glared at Severus.
"No, my mate is ashamed of me, and rejected me." Harry snarked back.
Severus scoffed. "I wonder why." Why did they reject you?
Harry teared up. "Don't."
"Some mate. Doesn't even want you. The boy-who-lived. The savior. Who would?"
Harry growled. "That's right. Harry Potter doesn't deserve love. Harry Potter doesn't deserve to live. God you are an ass."
"..." Why would he think that about himself?
Harry laughed wetly. "I don't understand what your problem is. You are the one who rejected me! What do you want me to do? Beg?! No, I refuse. I should not have to beg someone to love and care for me. Get the fuck out of my house! NOW!!!!!!!!!"
Harry pushed past Severus who was gaping at him and slammed his bedroom door shut. Me? I am the idiot who rejected him? HOW? WHEN? Oh merlin....
Severus didn't know what to do. He felt ashamed. He tried think of when this happened, but he could not remember rejecting Harry. He would have to show Harry the truth. He would have to prove himself. He would not leave. He would fix this!
The next morning he cooked a large breakfast and was patiently waiting for Harry to come down.
Harry came in red eyed and disheveled. When he saw Severus still there he glared. "What are you still doing here? I told you to get out."
"I know you did. I am here to fix this. I don't know how this got so messed up, but I have to fix this."
Harry looked murderous. "Now you want to fix this! If this is out of some sort of duty because you pity me or something, just don't. Please get out and leave me alone!"
"It's not pity. I promise. It's not out of some sort of duty either."
"I still don't want you here. You hurt me."
"I know and I am trying. I made you breakfast. I know this won't fix everything, but it's a step in the right direction."
"Why? Why now? Because I'm dying?"
"I didn't know. I may have rejected you on accident. I am sorry Harry."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Who are you and what have you done with Severus?"
"I am Severus. What are you talking about?"
"Severus doesn't call me Harry, and he certainly does not apologize even when he is wrong. He definitely doesn't care about me."
"You are right that it may have seemed that way. I had a role to play and obviously I played it well. I did not hate you. I care more than you know. If you really are unsure I can call you an idiotic Gryffindor or a dunderheaded fool."
"Well, you got that part right. I still don't understand why you are here."
Severus sighed. "I want to be. I am concerned about you."
Harry huffed. “You’ll forgive me if I say I don’t believe you."
Severus nodded. He figured as much. "I want to give this a shot. You and me. I know I might have hurt you and for that I am deeply sorry. I will prove it to you."
Harry grew even more angry. "Now you say that?! After everything-!" Harry got out his wand and pointed it at Severus. Severus felt the rush of his power. "Leave now! I want you gone! Get out!"
Severus nodded. He left. But he came back everyday. He would leave gifts or just sit outside patiently waiting for Harry to see he would not give up. He would keep trying.
Weeks went by, then a few months like this. Severus visiting everyday. Harry ignoring him. It hurt, but he deserved it.
Then one day, Harry invited him inside for dinner. After that Harry and Severus started having dinners every week, then biweekly, then every night. Severus felt relieved. He didn't want to watch the man he loved die. It took a little bit longer, but he knew if he was persistent enough, Harry would let go of his anger.
"I still haven't forgiven you for hurting me and rejecting me, but I can see you that you regret it. That you are trying to make this work. To tell you the truth I hoped you would come to my rescue. I am so glad you have. I know I have made you wait a long time, but I just needed some reassurance that you would stick by me. That you wouldn't leave. Severus, I would like to bond with you. It would make me immensely happy and once we bond, we can living our life together. I know there will be ups and downs, but if you are with me, I think I could handle anything life throws at me."
Severus was stunned. He was overjoyed. "Harry I would love nothing more than to bond with you. I understand why Harry. I deserved it. Believe me. You have no idea what this means to me."
"I may have some idea." Harry smiled at him. Severus beamed back him and leaned in for a perfect first kiss. One that would lead to many many more.