Pawprints

10. Tears and Saliva

Alabaster bounded through the forest, a blur of white streaking through the trees, his barks loud and happy. Luna and Draco followed behind lantern in Luna's hand and a basket in Draco's. It was a slightly chilly Friday evening, and the two of them had decided to have some alone time, just a small picnic while Alabaster scuffled around in the forest and chased the squirrels and rabbits.

The first week of school had been hectic, filled with piles of homework and projects and in Draco's case, extra work from his career guidance sessions. He had completed one lesson with Firenze, which had been a field trip of sorts and he was to write detailed accounts of all that he had seen and added notations from magical literature. On Thursday, he had a basic introductory lesson with Professor Flitwick, but clearly, Flitwick's idea of basic was close to mindboggling. They had started with Fiendfyre and Draco had found it extremely hard to concentrate, mind flashing back to his own experience. Professor Flitwick began the lesson from the origin story of Fiendfyre and then went on to explain the variations of the spell and how it couldn't be doused out by Aguamenti. He also gave Draco some further reading to do along with a load of homework. Draco left the lesson that day, mind filled with information and a slight headache.

That night Luna had found him huddled on the floor of the astronomy tower, staring at the stars and hugging Alabaster while he rocked back and forth. Luna had taken him into her arms and smoothed back his hair till he relaxed somewhat. He finally had laid his head on Luna's lap and sobbed, tears rolling down his face as Luna rocked him. Alabaster had sat by their side, occasionally butting his head into Draco's chest and licking his tears.

The next morning, a Saturday, the Eighth Year common room had been bustling with activity, everyone was looking forward to the end of the week except Harry it seemed. Harry had a lesson with Professor Snape on Sunday and from what Draco had heard the first two lessons had been just short of a disaster. Harry had reappeared in the common room flustered and red, his mind elsewhere. He had said Severus was teaching him the basics and that it involved a lot of touching, especially of his head and hair.

Draco had smirked at Harry's description of the lesson as he thought back to Severus and how he had spoken about Potter when he'd met him with his dog. Draco had also noticed the looks Severus and Harry shared, that they probably thought went unnoticed.

Harry was brushing Black's curly coat in the dog kennels when he heard a familiar bark. Ajax bounded in and booped Black on the nose and licked Harry's face. Harry laughed and removed his glasses to wipe the dog slobber away. He heard soft footfalls approaching him and saw shiny leather boots step into his vision. A tall, imposing black figure stood before him, his face hazy and unclear, although Harry knew it was Professor Snape. He hastily placed his glasses back on his face and looked up.

Severus gulped. Blood rushed to his cheeks. Potter was kneeling before him and looking up at him, green eyes shining behind his spectacles. Harry stood up and greeted Severus, who acknowledged him. Severus walked towards Ajax's kennel and knelt to get a bottle of hair oil. Harry's eyes widened behind his spectacles. Professor Snape's arse was rounded and plump. It looked sinful in his tight black pants. Were those leather pants? Was Severus going out somewhere? Harry shook his head. Wait, why did he care? This was his teacher for God's sake! A man who had loathed him for most of his life.

Severus mumbled under his breath and Accioed the oil. He whistled sharply, Ajax walked towards him and sat down, head on his paws. Severus opened the bottle and applied oil on his hands and began to massage Ajax. Severus massaged Ajax's ears and Ajax opened his mouth, tongue lolling out. Ajax finally rolled on to his back, legs lifting into the air as he asked for belly rubs. Severus chuckled and rubbed some oil on to Ajax's belly, looking at him with a soft gaze.Harry couldn't stop staring at the two before him. He had never seen Professor Snape look so carefree or loving ever before in his life. He remembered how Snape had reassured him that their lessons would start easy and how that comment had surprised him. Seeing this change in Professor Snape was very refreshing.

Harry continued brushing Black and Accioed the detangler. He knew it was easier to use the spell Hermione had taught him that she used on her bushy curls, but Black found it uncomfortable. Severus cleared his throat and Harry looked up. Ajax was licking Severus's face and Severus was trying to move away from his sticky tongue. Harry began to laugh as Black yipped and ran towards Ajax. The dogs started running around and playing. Harry looked at Severus and smiled.

Severus was wiping his face and casting Aguamenti to wash the slobber off. Harry stood up and walked closer to Severus. Kneeling beside Severus, Harry took out a handkerchief and slowly wiped Severus's face. He could feel Professor Snape still beneath his fingers, hot breath on his hands."Potter, what do you think you're doing?"

Harry stammered. He thought he was helping Professor Snape and that he would be okay with being touched like this. He thought he and Professor Snape had become close and that Snape maybe did like him. He had noticed the way Severus would look at him, the reddening of his cheeks and the long stares. Was he hallucinating, had he overthought Professor Snape's behaviour, maybe overanalyzed? Oh my god, this was so embarrassing.

"Sir, - I – I just wanted to help sir, I didn't mean to offend you"

Severus gave Harry a penetrating gaze, his expression unreadable.Harry's heart was racing. What had he done? Did he have a crush on Professor Snape? Crush. That sounded so immature. But yes was Professor Snape attractive? To Harry, definitely. Did he have soulful black eyes and a deep sexy voice? Of course. Did have a sinfully delicious arse and a tall lean body? Definitely. Did Harry sometimes have naughty thoughts about his Professor? Well, what more could you expect from a boy who liked cock. But he liked boobs too. Boobs yeah think about boobs. Ew, no cock was better. Wait what. Harry let out a shuddering breath. He could feel warm hands cupping his cheeks, those hot breaths were now drawing closer to his face.

A pair of chapped lips were placed on his own. Harry moaned. A wet tongue slipped out and traced his lips. Harry slowly opened his mouth, allowing access to the seeking tongue. He moaned again and leaned into the kiss, hands roaming around and clutching on to silky soft hair and pulling hard. He heard Professor Snape moan and do this amazing sucking motion to his tongue. The hot rough tongue slowly left his mouth and Harry opened his eyes. Professor Snape was looking at him and smirking.

"Offend me you did not Potter".