Harry sucked in a deep, steadying breath as he stepped into the office of Hogwarts Potions Master. He received only a glance, before Snape resumed whatever it was he was doing at his desk.

"What are you doing here, Peverell?" Snape asked sharply.

"You don't have to be an ass," Harry bit out. He sighed. "Sorry. I'm reporting for duty, as it were. You never said when my apprenticeship officially started, so I thought now was as good a time as any."

Snape paused, and Harry saw his brow knit together. "Why?"

"I said I would, and it's not likely an opportunity I'll find again," Harry admitted.

Snape set down his quill slowly and deliberately. "I could make some recommendations."

Harry blushed. "Stupid as it sounds, I'd rather work with you, with the Half Blood Prince. I realize you probably don't want me around…"

Snape stood, slowly and deliberately.

"…But I figured there was no harm in showing up…"

Snape rounded his desk. "You weren't at the feast last night."

"I had business with the Board." Harry explained. "We voted unanimously to reinstate the 2/3rds majority rule for new hires."

Snape smirked, moving towards the Gryffindor. "A unanimous vote? That's quite the feat, Mister Peverell."

Harry grinned, swallowing thickly as long arms wrapped around his waist. "I've been told I can be quite persuasive."

"You certainly persuaded me," Snape said, touching their foreheads together.

"Do what?" Harry frowned, trembling in their embrace. Merlin he had missed this stupid prat.

"To fall in love again, despite all my best efforts," Snape told him softly. "I'm sorry I didn't realize it sooner."

Harry shrugged, drumming his fingers against a solid chest. "I could be persuaded to forgive you, with the right incentive."

Snape smirked and leaned down, capturing Harry's lips in a long, slow kiss.

Harry cleared his throat. "Y-yeah, that's… that's definitely good incentive."

"I love you, Harry," Snape murmured against his lips.

"I love you, too, Severus, in spite of everything."

Severus chuckled, capturing Harry's lips again. Harry drew him closer, and they each poured into it all their heartache and frustration from the last three months. They were going to be okay, together, despite both their efforts to the contrary. Harry had no idea what their future would hold, but he was suddenly not so scared to find out.