L is for the Way You Look at Me

Severus Snape stood in the shadows of the large ballroom. The war had ended five years ago, and every year since the Ministry had seen fit to throw a ball in honour of the 'Boy-Who-Lived-Twice'. Of course, everyone who had fought on that horrific day was expected to attend, and so here Severus was.

Potter had fought for him in front of the Wizengamot, clearing all charges against him and even making them award him with an Order of Merlin First Class. He had barely spoken to Potter since, only seeing him annually at each ball, watching as he danced and swayed around the room with new man on his arm every year.

This year Potter was accompanied by an older gentleman, whose shiny blonde hair constantly fell over his eyes. Severus watched as he led Potter over to a group of important Ministry officials, showing him off like a prize he had won. Severus held in a growl. Every year they were all the same, each one using Potter to gain favour among the Ministry and those above them in their office.

Suddenly the music changed from a romantic melody to a more upbeat track. Severus observed silently as Potter tried to draw his date's attention back to the dance floor, but the man was having none of it, too content to talk his way into a better position with the Boy Saviour on his arm.

Severus thought that just this once he could intervene and make that whelp realize just whom he had the gift of accompanying to the ball. He took a step forward, an opening sentence forming in his mind, when he thought better of it. Who was he to stick his overly large nose into Potter's business? Just his old greasy Potions professor. Severus sighed. He should leave now, in case he lost his senses entirely and did something unforgivable. He looked up just in time to lock eyes with Potter. Severus kept his face carefully blank, in a mask of indifference. He had no idea how Potter saw him these days, but he felt his heart seized as the boy slipped his arm out of the blonde man's grip and gracefully made his way over to his corner. Severus pulled himself up to his full height, raising a dark eyebrow as Potter neared.

"Hello Professor," Potter said evenly, the green of his eyes vivid in the low lighting.

"Potter," he muttered not willing to be the first one to break the eye contact. "I was just leaving," he blurted out, not exactly sure what made him tell Potter that.

"Oh." Potter looked away as he smoothed down his tailor made robes. "What are you up to these days?" He suddenly asked in a rush, his eyes darting from Severus to the floor.

"I have a Potion shop in Diagon Alley." He already knew what Potter did, everyone who read The Daily Prophet was constantly up to date on 'The Saviour's' life.

"That's good, I...er-"

"Harry!" They both looked up to find Potter's date, fuming as he hurriedly made his way over to them.

He heard Potter sigh before turning around, an apologetic smile on his face.

"I told you not to move," the man seethed crossing his arms as he glared.

"Told me?" Potter asked the smile melting, his shoulders going rigid and his nostrils flaring ever so slightly.

"Yes, and then you had the audacity to move! They need to see you with me or else I won't be promoted."

"So you asked me here to further your career," Potter deadpanned.

"Why else would anyone want to come here with you? That's what you're good for now that there's no Death Eaters left. Well, except him." the man jabbed a thumb in Severus' direction, giving him a hate filled glance.

Before Severus could so much as sneer at him Potter had his wand out and had it pointed at the man's chest. "Apologize to the Professor. Now." he growled. pressing the tip harder against his ribs.