Snarry One Shots

The Way You Touch, I Lose Control And Shiver Deep Inside

Summary: Severus has a risky business proposal. Harry is just the man for the job.

Ships: SeverusSnapexHarryPotter

All credit goes to anonymous on Ao3

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"I would like to propose an arrangement," Snape said.

Harry blinked; for a split second, he'd thought Snape was proposing they become friends with benefits. But even as friendly as they'd gotten after the war, Harry knew that that would never happen... "What kind of arrangement?" he asked.

"I would like to experiment with a rare potions ingredient, and need some assistance in collecting it," said Snape.

"What, like something in the middle of some distant forest or something?" asked Harry. "Sure, I'm up for a trip."

Snape shook his head. "I would like to experiment with the hair of my animagus form."

Harry's mouth dropped open. "But your animagus form is-"

"A lethifold, yes. Hence my inability to collect my own hair when I don't have any hands," said Snape.

"They're also incredibly dangerous! There's only one known survivor of a lethifold attack – ever!" cried Harry.

"I do have some control of myself whilst in my animagus form," Snape said.

"Even so-"

"However," Snape continued, "given the dangerous nature of the endeavour, I would like to propose a deal. You assist me in collecting my hair, and I shall share any new healing potions with you that I am able to create with the ingredient – some samples of the final product, as well as the brewing instructions, should you think the St Mungo's brewers capable of such a feat."

Harry sat back in thought. He and Snape had formed a habit after the war of meeting semi-regularly for tea, and Harry had mentioned to Snape on a few occasions the limitations of the healing potions he had access to at St Mungo's. Trust Snape to now use that information to entice Harry into something so dangerous.

"What do you think you could use if for?" asked Harry.

"I believe it may create an effective bonding agent, which could be beneficial for a number of topical ointments that need to adhere to the skin. There are some other properties that it could also have, but that is my primary focus." Snape's eyes lit up as he expounded on his theme, and Harry found it strangely adorable. "I have heard of Muggle doctors creating a synthetic skin to aid burn victims. I believe I could invent something similar."

Harry's jaw dropped. "A synthetic skin would be revolutionary. Some of my patients... This would be life-changing!"

"Hence my proposal. I am aware that you would be putting yourself in danger, however, I believe the possible benefits outweigh any risks," said Snape.

Harry grinned. "Bit strange having you talk me into doing something dangerous."

Snape's lips quirked into an almost-smile. "Do we have a deal? Your assistance in harvesting my lethifold hair, in return for any potions that I invent with it?"

"We have a deal."

Harry held his hand out. Snape hesitated, then grasped it and shook it once before quickly letting go again.

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Severus kept his face blank as he watched Potter draw his wand. Potter was nervous, and understandably so, but Severus refused to show his own nerves. Other than the Animagus registration officials, this was the first time he had ever transformed in front of anyone else. This time, it wasn't experienced professionals who had seen countless transformations, but someone Severus cared about, someone who had a very mixed, very personal history with Animagi.