Dependence
It had been six months since the war ended; Harry still couldn’t believe it had been over so quickly, he hadn’t even had to utter the Killing Curse as Voldemort’s recklessness was his own undoing. The only major losses on their side were Sirius, which had happened before the war even began, and Tonks who had been killed by Bellatrix Lestrange. Remus was still pulling himself together but had gotten his revenge on Bellatrix as he strangled the life out of her with his own hands.
Two months after the war was over, Harry had gotten his wish and became one of the youngest Aurors in the history of the Ministry of Magic. McGonagall had been true to her word and done everything in her power to help him secure his post, using all of her connections and helping to strengthen his weak area, Potions, which he was now fairly adept at.
Unfortunately, due to his newbie status, he got all the crap jobs. He was currently seeking out anyone who might know something about those who were still loyal to the Dark Lord; his information came mainly from spies that had worked for the Light Side.
He had saved the worst for last.
It was on a ridiculously warm, summer day that Harry found himself standing just outside Snape Manor; his hand was poised a few inches away from the door. It was now or never, Harry took a deep breath, and knocked.
It was a few minutes before the door opened to reveal one Severus Snape. Snape looked almost exactly the same, shoulder length black hair, only now it was silky instead of greasy, sallow skin, his beak-like nose, god, it was all so familiar, except for his clothing, he was barefoot wearing black loose-fitting slacks and a white t-shirt that stretched across his chest, and he seemed…happy? He wasn’t smiling, but he looked as if one was tugging on the corner of his lips, and his eyes were bright, but before Harry could finish his examination of this new Snape, he was gone. The familiar glower was back, darkening his features as he identified his visitor.
“Um,” It wasn’t until this moment that Harry realized he had no idea how to address this man. Professor? No Harry wasn’t a kid anymore, Severus? No that was far too personal; he decided to go with what he had always felt most comfortable with: “Snape, I’ve been sent by the Ministry to talk with you about possible…um…defectors.”
“Defectors from what?” Snape sneered.
“The Ministry’s rule. Do you mind if I come in?”
Snape moved away and gestured for him to come in before saying, “Let’s make this quick.”
Happily, Harry thought.
Harry moved into Snape’s home it wasn’t that different from Grimmauld Place, where Harry was living now, it was conservative and seemed slightly foreboding like the man who lived there. Snape moved into his living room and Harry followed, it was conventional, reserved, there was a couch and two chairs around a coffee table set in front of a fireplace. Harry also noticed a desk off to the side with two chairs in front of it, he expected that to be where Snape settled, but to his surprise Snape sat on the end of the couch and gestured for Harry to take the chair closest to him.
“Tea?” Snape asked graciously. “Yes, please.” Snape snapped his fingers and a House Elf appeared, “Lace, would you bring us tea and biscuits please?” Harry was surprised by the gentleness in Snape’s voice and it was clearly a request and not a command. “Yes, Master Severus.” The Elf gave a smile, bowed low and then disappeared only to arrive moments later with a pitcher of tea and a plate crammed full of not only biscuits, but all kinds of sweets Harry didn’t even recognize. The Elf looked bashful as Snape perused the plate; he gave the Elf a bemused look, before saying in a pleased tone, “Thank you, Lace.” The Elf looked relieved, bowed again, and then Disapparated.
