Amare Speculae

Chapter Three

AN: So. Yeah. I hear you folks want an update. I suppose I should thank all of you guys who have reviewed, it means so much that you guys like my work.

I've been working on oh-so-many things that I can't get out of my head, so you can be happy and rest assured that more will be coming, probably. I seem to have a thing for odd one-shots.

Anyway, hope you guys enjoy this new chapter!

~Kiro
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Harry took a deep breath and thought. This was the reason why Professor Snape had asked him down here today, or at least part of the reason. Therefore Harry should play along, ask who the man saw in the image. But Harry didn't know if he would like what he heard. He liked, admired, respected Snape. Harry could definitely say that he cared about this man's opinion of him and that he wanted this man to be happy. What if Snape thought Harry nosy if he asked? No, if that happened Snape would merely shoot him down with an acidic comment as always and go on as if Harry had not asked.

Somewhere in the background of Harry's mind, a tiny voice asked what happens when it isn't you? Harry turned on it, grabbed it, stuffed it in a box in the back of his head, wrapped the box in chains, and flung it in a soundproof room. Somehow a sliver escaped and slithered around his mind, casting hurt around his brain. He ignored it, as well as his violent overreaction, and before he could regret his decision, gave a sharp nod.

"If you feel it is appropriate, sir, then yes. I would like to know."

Snape smirked, eyes gaining an 'I-told-you-so' glint.

"Of course you would. Very well, Mr. Potter, it is pertinent that you know the truth. It is important that you know this, and I must tell you."

The professor took a deep, steeling breath, closing his eyes tightly. He appeared to be psyching himself up for his next words, and Harry began to feel worry clutching at his chest. Before he could say something, however, the man opened his eyes again, this time in a narrowed gaze.

"It was you, Potter."

Silence reigned as Harry blinked.

"Me?"

Apparently his brain had shorted out.

"Yes, you, Potter."

"Me?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Do you think I would joke over such a thing, Potter?"

"But... But why?"

"It is the soul, Potter. No one but the soul knows the soul's motives. I can think of the reasons why my ego is attracted to you, but I shan't inflate your head even more by listing them."

Harry blinked again.

"But... What about my mother? I thought you were in love with her?"

Severus nodded stoically.

"Yes, Harry, I loved your mother. I was not, however, in love with her. She was the first person that I truly loved and who truly loved me back, unconditionally. We had our bumps, yes, but we loved each other with a bond stronger than brother and sister, yet no more romantic. At least, we did before it snapped in fifth year, and the bond revived after graduation, when we started working on Amare Speculae."

Harry's eyes softened with understanding as he nodded slowly. Confusion made its way back onto his brow, though, and he asked another question.

"Isn't this a bit odd for you? I mean, I'm your student, your sister figure's son, and twenty years your junior, not to mention we've been at each other's throats for the last eight years. Doesn't that give you doubts?" He eyed his teacher warily.