Young, Hot and Rich

Dumbledore was staring pensively out the window, watching light spatters of rain running down the glass. Suddenly there was the sound of roaring flames and Dumbledore turned his head sharply towards the fireplace. Few people had access to his floo network. Coughing, Snape appeared, dusting his robes off.
“You really need to clean that fireplace.” Dumbledore chuckled and rose to greet his old friend. As he grasped him in a hug, there was a stiffness that told him Snape was here on serious business.
“What’s wrong Severus?” A slight frown played at the corners of the old man’s mouth. Snape didn’t bring his eyes up to meet the twinkling, blue ones. Something was definitely wrong. Dumbledore let the man collect his thoughts and poured out a generous measure of oak-matured mead. Snape drank it automatically, letting it sink in then clearing his throat.
“I need your help Albus.” Snape’s voice was low and pleading.
“Anything you need, Severus, you know I am here for you.” Snape nodded, obviously thinking hard.
“It is not…a usual situation.” Snape was having trouble getting it out, Dumbledore poured him another glass.
“Well you may as well let me know, and then we can see if I can help.” Dumbledore wondered what could possibly be this hard for Snape to say. In the following silence Dumbledore poured yet another glass. Snape, who didn’t drink much, was feeling a little dizzy, but it was definitely helping to loosen his tongue.
“Its…its about Harry.” Snape let out a deep breath, a small amount of weight off his chest.
“Is he in some sort of trouble?” Dumbledore was frustrated; it was rare that he didn’t have a firm grip on the situation. Snape shook his head slowly, drinking another glass.
“No…” Snape sighed, “He’s been…very stressed, because of work.” Dumbledore nodded, wondering if this was possibly heading where he thought it was.
“Go on, Severus, you’ll feel better when it’s out.” Dumbledore watched him knock back his 5th glass quickly. Shocked, Dumbledore thought he saw the glint of a tear. Snape drew in a shuddering breath, furious at himself for this weakness.
“Well, you see he’s been getting angrier and angrier…” Snape felt his voice crack a little and cleared his throat. “He says things, that are…hurtful.” Snape purposefully looked away from the old man’s eyes. Dumbledore took his friend’s hand. Snape took a deep breath and let it go.
“And does things.” Burying his face in his hands, Snape felt the first few tears hit his fingers. Dumbledore didn’t push him any further, he moved around the desk and held the poor man. Inwardly cursing Harry’s large ego and quick temper for breaking the amazing friend he’d so admired for his strength, Dumbledore ran one long-fingered hand through Snape’s long hair. Snape wiped the tears from his face and looked up at Dumbledore, a look on his face that looked so alien on the stern features. There was a pleading in his eyes Dumbledore had never seen, and before he even knew what was going on he’d lowered his lips to Snape’s. It was a gentle kiss, but there was no way they could pass it off as a casual thing. Pulling back, Dumbledore looked kindly into the other man’s eyes.
“You’ll stay here as long as you need to, I will talk with Harry, he is getting out of hand.” Snape nodded and Dumbledore led him, a hand on his shoulder, into his chambers.
“Thankyou Albus, I always knew I could rely on you.” Some of his old strength seemed to have returned and Dumbledore smiled.
“Never forget it, Severus; I am your friend forever. Now you may sleep here, there should be some clothes you can sleep in somewhere in the wardrobe. A last gentle hug and Dumbledore swept out towards his own room, Snape watching him with an odd feeling in his stomach.