Two Left Feet

Two Left Feet

A/N: Thank you for all the reviews.
Posted on January 7, 2010
Chapter 3:
“Two Left Feet”


“You know, you could put forth more effort. You’re just standing there; half the time staring,” commented Ginny.
“I’m not inspired right now,” Ron replied as he stared at the opposite wall. “I am not feeling the music. Its tempo is too slow.”
“No, you just want to understand why Harry isn’t getting any of this.”
“It’s rubbish if you ask me. He’s adding two more beats and is needlessly shifting weight. It’s like he doesn’t know his left foot from his right.”
“Don’t be such a bother. Some people just need a bit more time.”
“Blimey, Ginny. He’s been like that since day one. Even I got some style on him. The whole thing’s a joke.” Ron and Ginny turned to look at how awkward Harry was dancing… if one could call it that. What Harry was actually doing was kicking his feet randomly and twitching his hip. It was almost as embarrassing to watch.
After class, Ginny approached Harry. “Did you find someone to help you?”
“You think I really need it, huh?”
Ginny nodded quickly.
“Well, I did, but they’re being a stubborn git.”
“Try harder, and give that person a reason to dance with you. I’m sure whoever it is, they really wouldn’t mind. You’re Harry after all.”
Harry nodded then made his way towards the dorm.
So Ginny suggested that he push, huh? Well, Harry was most definitely going to push it until Snape gave up and swept him off his feet. Yes… that sounded brilliant. Only, it also was a bit queer, and Harry didn’t need people buggering in. He’d have to keep it on the low if Snape ever conceded to help him.
After that Thursday’s Defense class, Harry lagged behind and patiently waited until it was only him and Snape. “Afternoon, professor.”
After dropping his student’s papers on his desk, he looked up exhaustedly. “Whenever you lag behind, it is never a good thing. What do you want, Mr. Potter?”
“Well, professor, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and I know you have a busy schedule and all, but your job is to help the students and I am a student and in need of your assistance.” Harry smiled temerariously and then waited.
However, Snape gave Harry the distinct impression that he was apathetic towards Harry’s view regarding his job. Snape crossed over until he stood in front of Harry opposite the desk. He peered down then said, “No.”
“Why?!”
“No, Potter. Absolutely not.”
“Then why did you suggest it in the first place?”
“To help you and perhaps get on better terms, but you made it apparent that my help was in the least desired.”
Harry stood so quickly his chair toppled over. “Well, you knew why, didn’t you?”
“It must’ve been related to my extracurricular activities as the Dark Lord’s follower, or your father’s low opinion of me.” Snape then turned and left; his cane tapping the floor in a consistent, quick tempo. It almost reminded Harry of the Salsa. He growled then slouched onto the other chair. Why did everything about Snape bother him so much?
By the following Defense class, Snape was giving a demo on a multitude of elemental charms and how to manipulate them. He started off with fire as it was one of the handiest besides water. As Harry watched Snape contain fire into a small, hot, bright ball, he felt his bad routine, or boy habits, urging him to do something to piss off the professor. With everyone’s attention focused on the fire, Harry chewed on a small piece of parchment then waited for Snape to move around the ball of fire. “When I compress the air surrounding the fire, the ball itself changes shape…”
Harry conjured a straw then fired just as Hermione gripped his arm.
The spitball hurled through the air and hit the fireball in the dead center. Hermione’s grip on Harry’s arm tightened, but Harry was so amused that he actually hit the fireball and not Snape. “Let me try this again.”
“No, Harry!” she whispered lowly. “You’ll make us lose points and you’ll end up in a detention!”
Too late, Harry shot another spitball and it flew through the classroom and would have hit Snape if the man wasn’t already prepared. It ricocheted off an invisible barrier and smacked Harry’s forehead. The whole class had witnessed the event and burst out into laugher. Even Harry found himself laughing as he fell onto a chair. It was just so unexpected that he couldn’t contain himself. Then as Harry regained himself, he looked over at Snape who was not laughing, but at least didn’t seem upset. He resumed his lesson as soon as everyone composed themselves. “With proper technique, fireballs can be manipulated to home in on said targets. Within the term, you will learn how to master this technique.”
When Snape had dismissed everyone, Ginny approached Harry. “What were you thinking?! Why were you trying to hit Snape with spitballs?!”
Harry walked on, smiling, then shrugging.
At that moment, he didn’t care about anything but spitballs, fire, and Snape.
Harry Potter Harry Potter Harry Potter
“I’m going for a walk,” said Harry as he made his way towards the common room entrance.
“Innit a bit late to be wandering the corridors?” Ask Ron.
“He’s right. It’s after hours and don’t you have homework?” Hermione asked as she looked over his text book.
“I’m frustrated, and besides, I have my cloak.” Harry winked then left before another word was said.
He was made aware that Snape prowls the corridors at this time. What better time to catch the man then when he’s obligated to be out and about. Harry just had to find him and avoid everyone else. Which, luckily for Harry, would be very easy because he possessed the very handy Marauder’s Map. He whipped it out of his pocket and had a look at the surrounding area. Filch was no where to be seen and Snape… ah, he wasn’t very far at all. “I wonder if he makes it a habit to chase after Gryffindor students.”
With that distasteful thought on his mind, Harry continued on his quest to find Snape. When his dot in the map was close, just around the corner, Harry folded the map and tucked it away. He waited just on the other side of the wall as Snape came around. The man did not notice him, so Harry cleared his throat.
Snape spun around, robes flaring and then a wand extending from the darkness. “Potter!”
Harry raised his hands to shield his eyes. “Evening, professor,” he quickly said as his eyes fixed to Snape’s wand.
“Why are you always wandering about at night?” The wand was lowered.
“I’m not always out after hours. Only when there is are things to resolve. And tonight is one of those nights.”
“My answer still stands.”
“Professor,” Harry begun as he drew closer to the taller man, “I am determined.”
“Return to your dormitory immediately. If you go willingly, I will not take points for your impertinence.”
Harry made no move to leave. “What if I told you I will not leave, no matter how many points you take, unless you agree to dance with me right here and now?”
“Tell me this, Mr. Potter. Why should I come to your aid when you take every opportunity presented to vex me and humiliate me?”
For a second, Harry stared stunned at Snape, completely at lost. Perhaps Snape was right. He didn’t owe him this. Yet, deep down inside, there was something urging Harry on. If Snape was really opposed to helping him, then he would have made his point clear, but in a more Snapish way. Harry determined that because the man had not brought him to the headmistress and demanded a restraining order that Snape just needed a push. Or for Harry to really show him that he wanted to dance with him and was ready and willing to put aside their mutual disdain and learn to dance. So Harry chose his next move carefully. He observed Snape’s posture and then advanced gingerly. He imagined Snape in the role of a girl, and him the bloke. He looked at Snape before carefully sliding his hand around Snape’s waist, and then he reached for Snape’s hand, taking it in his carefully. It was difficult to perceive if this was the best way to go at it, but Harry concluded his decision and now was standing with an arm full of Snape. And the man once again smelled like earth and woods.
Harry forgot where he was going with this. But he knew they were going beyond what was appropriate between a student and their teacher.
Then a soft voice resonated not too far from his ears and Snape had closed his eyes. “You are unyielding,” the man spoke, then in two quick moves rearranged their positions so that he was in fact leading. “If we are going to do this, you must be willing to work with me.” He held his arm steady and Harry’s hand firmly. “Watch and move with me.”
A confident hand found his and gripped it with assurance; it felt hot and foreign. Harry found his own hand trembling and his legs stiffening. Snape was forcing him to learn the reversed role and to Harry’s horror, it was much easier. He sort of followed Snape, watching as Snape’s foot went forwards and he just stepped back, but after the first step, he did not know which way to move. “The other foot, Potter,” Snape instructed without even looking down at him. He was keeping a firm grip and distance between them. And all the while, maintaining a steady tempo. Harry occasionally used the wrong foot and scrambled around when trying to follow, but this was much easier then leading. At some points, it was almost intuit. Like, there was no other way to step. Then Snape spun him and Harry’s world moved past him. A blood rush followed when Snape attempted to spin him twice in one shot, but Harry’s feet tripped and he fell against the wall. “I know what the problem is.” Snape’s head was silhouetted in the darkness.
“Yeah? What’s that?”
“You dance with two left feet.”
Severus Snape Severus Snape Severus Snape
When Harry stumbled into his dorm some time later, his confidence had been renewed. He gave a self-assuring smile to Hermione and Ron then carried himself up into his dorm.
Harry knew that Snape was a challenging professor. He knew that Snape would not bother and waste his energies and time if he saw an unworthy effort. However, Harry concluded that he wanted to dance. He did not want to be left behind while his classmates progressed. He could not fail where Snape was concerned.
However, there was one downfall.
And by the next Defense Against the Dark Arts class, it was itching Harry’s nerves. There was still that old, lingering habit to vex Snape when the older wizard either fell asleep or faced away from him and the opportunity often presented itself. Harry had to remind himself to not bugger the man otherwise he risks losing any and all chance at excelling in dance.
But when it came down to really preventing further nasty habits, Harry had to tell himself that Snape did not fall asleep in class because he had become uninterested in teaching and conduct. It was a side effect from the antidotes and meds Snape was taking. And when Snape’s attention was undivided, it was because a student really needed his help. Harry should not obstruct class just to satisfy urges.
However, Harry’s restraining actions caught a lot of people’s attentions. Mainly that of his closer friends. Ron casually brought it up one day when they were walking to dance class. “So, I’ve noticed that you’ve been nicer to Snape. Did you at least drive a hard bargain?”
“What are you talking about?” Harry frowned and played it off as everything being in order.
“All week you’ve been nothing but civil. It’s weird and frankly, wrong.”
“Weren’t you just the other telling me to spare the man from my inhumanities?”
“No. That was Hermione and maybe Ginny.”
“Well I’ve had a change of heart. And I don’t want to leave on such terrible terms. This is my last year and I’m Dark Lord free. Why not make the best of it?”
“Cause you’re always up for an adventure and down right dangerous tasks and if you-know-who won’t provide one, you’ll go out and find one.”
“Yes, but what could’ve been more a more dangerous adventure then the one we were at last year? Hunting down the Horcruxes wasn’t exactly fantastic.”
“But it was all the thrill and adventure you craved. Admit it! It was fun!”
“And enough to satisfy me for a lifetime!”
McGonagall started the music and turned to find Harry behind her. She tapped him on the shoulder then asked, “How did everything go?”
“Great! Professor Snape’s going to give me dance lessons.”
“You must’ve threatened him thoroughly. What exactly did you promise him?”
Harry laughed then turned to see that Ron was half way across the room with Hermione. “Listen, please just don’t tell anyone. I don’t want to be bothered by it.”
“It’s no business of mine. I will check up on you two regularly though to see how you’ve progressed.”
Harry smiled and was just about to find his place on the dance floor when McGonagall called him back, “And Potter? See if you can use your brilliant tactics to lure him into being my assistant.”
When breakfast rolled around the following morning, Harry was reading the Daily Prophet when a Slytherin approached Harry and pasted him something. “From Professor Snape,” said the boy before he left.
It was a small enclosed parchment. He opened it and read it.
My classroom.
Tonight and 7 o’clock sharp.
Do not be late.
S.S.
Trepidation and excitement battled it out for dominance. The parchment shook in Harry’s hands. His first lesson had come at last. Maybe by then they could arrange a schedule.
“What’s that you got there?”
Harry folded the paper with haste and put it into his pocket. “Nothing,” he told Ginny.
Ginny looked dubious. “You don’t get excited over nothing. I know that look.”
“Blimey, Ginny. It isn’t anything important.” Harry ate the last of his toast then was off.
He wasn’t aware that Ginny had followed him until he turned the corridor.
“Harry!”
He stopped.
“I’m sorry. I hadn’t meant to pry. I just wanted to know if you’re free tonight.”
“What for?”
“What for? Quidditch practise. I wanted you to be there to help me chose out team members. Have you forgotten?”
“No, but I’m not allowed to participate this term. Anyways, I don’t really want to go. I’ll feel bad about not being able to play.”
“But then why did Professor McGonagall have you come back?”
“You know why. I’ve told you. I haven’t completed the necessary amount of credits to receive a Hogwarts Diploma. I’m here to do just that. Dance just happens to be a requisite now.”
“I get it. Ok. I’ll see you later.” Ginny stepped back slowly, watching Harry. For a moment, Harry felt like he was supposed to say or do something, but then she turned and disappeared into the Great Hall.
Harry Potter Harry Potter Harry Potter
Harry looked down once again at the note that specified their meeting place and time. It was exactly seven and Harry knocked on the door. To Harry’s surprise, it swung open and creaked. He peered in and saw Snape standing by his desk, waiting with crossed arms. All the desks and chairs had vanished, leaving ample space for movement.
“Evening, professor,” Harry’s voice bounced between the walls. The acoustics were amazing.
“Close your mouth and come hither,” Snape instructed before casually offering a hand.
Harry’s eyes immediately fell onto the open hand. He stared as if waiting for something to happen. Then he remembered. “Oh…” How did he feel about taking Snape’s hand again? Last time it made him feel a little funny in the head. It kind of made the hall do that spiny thing and his stomach tickle. It was nice and weird. He scratched the back of his head and stared some more.
Snape, obviously sensing the young wizard’s discomfort, spoke, “Oh, Potter. This was your idea.”
“Yeah, I know, it’s just going to take some time to get used to.”
“Do remember manners. Do not stare at my hand. Take it.”
“You talk about it as if I can just take it and go.”
“Potter…,” Snape’s tone was darkening.
“Yeah I know! Just give me a sec.”
“If we are going to do this and we will, potter, you must first learn to touch me.” Snape initiated the dance by taking Harry’s hand in his. “Then, you must relax and trust me.”
Harry’s eyes stared hard at his hand as if any second now Snape was going to try something funny and curse him.
“Don’t look at my hand. Look at me.”
Look at me…
The last time Harry had really, truly looked at Snape’s hands, they were bloodied and nearly transparent. And Snape was gurgling his own blood. He was going cold. He was slipping away.
And Harry’s hand tightened around Snape’s. He looked up at the wizard then his eyes searched for the two puncture wounds. For some reason, his eyes needed to see it again. His eyes fell onto Snape’s neck, which was, as always, covered by his collar. Harry reached out with his free hand, but before it could even get close, a hand caught his and pulled it back. “What are you doing?”
Harry’s eyes found Snape’s. The dark eyes were guarded again. Though very confused and also searching. “Has your neck gotten better?”
“Excuse me?”
Harry wanted to shake his head in the hopes of throwing this preposterous thought out of his head. “Sorry. Never mind.”
Then Snape responded. “It has not since you last saw it.” Harry looked again into Snape’s eye. “Let’s begin?”
Harry nodded.
“Very well. What has Professor McGonagall taught you thus far?”
“The basic rhythm to the Salsa and now Rumba. The rudimentary forward and backward steps. How to turn, she tried to teach us a cross body lead…”
“Enough.” Snape waved his wand and music sang without an exact source. It was like the sound was pouring out from the walls and it was… beautiful. Harry was momentarily stunned. Where did Snape learn of this? The quality was perfect. The music was coming from everywhere, filling his ears and making his legs twitchy. He wanted to dance!
Then Snape took his other hand and proceeded. Very quickly, he guided Harry into the Salsa dance. He stepped forwards, Harry stepped back. Then vise versa until they had a steady rhythm going. And eventually, Snape turned him. Harry did and nearly tripped over himself again. “When you turn, focus on one point.”
Snape did it again. Harry tried to only look at Snape. It helped to clear his head.
“Now, turn me. Wait for the appropriate beat.”
Harry waited until Snape was just about to step back to turn him. The man went willingly into a turn then stopped from turning again by stepping back on his right foot. Harry’s eyes were riveted to Snape’s feet.
“Try not to look at my feet to much. Feel the music.”
Harry still couldn’t look away. He felt if he did, he would start tripping again and so far, they were doing so well. And working hard enough that before long, his heart was working up a beat in sync with the tempo and he began to sweat.
“Hold on, let me take off my jumper!”
Snape released him with a slight push and as Harry stepped backwards, Snape continued to dance with his arms slightly raised and his movements were emphasis on the hips. He actually looked… sexy. He was even snapping his fingers and moving everything from his upper torso to his legs. Harry momentarily forgot he was supposed to take off his jumper.
“Now, a cross body lead,” said Snape as soon as Harry came back to him. He grabbed Harry’s hands and guided him forwards while he also stepped forwards. Harry thought they were going to collide, but trusted Snape enough to not allow such idiocy to interfere with his style. Then, Snape turned them and they stood at opposite sides. So that was how it was done. Harry nodded, then tried to copy. It took just a few times, and some dozen spins later, before he got it. “Hey, I’m getting this!”
“Keep practising.”
As Harry watched Snape spin himself, he also noticed the sweat trickling down and disappearing into Snape’s collar. So Harry wasn’t the only one getting a good work out.
Snape then pulled Harry’s closer and guided him into a more intimate, closed position. Harry’s hand was on his shoulder. Snape’s hand was on the small of his back. And they moved along, continuing the same pattern beat until the sixth song ended.
“Now, let’s try the Rumba.”
The tempo in the next song was slower, but still very lively. Harry just had to not go crazy with his steps. “Wait until she introduces the Cha Cha.”
“The what?”
“It has many similarities to the Rumba and the Salsa, but differs as every third beat it a triple. I trust you’ve learned some terminology?”
“Of course!”
The hour ended and the music faded. Harry stood still very close to his DADA professor. “That will be it for now.”
Being in close proximity with Snape was heady. And the music allowed them to escape, if only for an hour. It was a nice temporary relief.
“I cannot arrange a schedule with you for some time. My classes and detentions must be given priority. However, I will send word. We will go on a weekly basis.”
“Can I assume the male position next time?”
“Have you paid attention to nothing? We’ve been switching off since we began.”
Harry nodded, feeling rather foolish for asking.
“Have you learned to touch me?” Snape asked with a chuckle.
Harry stared hard at Snape, not really sure how to respond. It was a very suggestive question. “If I haven’t?”
“Then next time we will work on exercises that will force you to adjust.”
Harry swallowed heavily. He dared not think where suck activities would lead and what could possibly go wrong. “I trust you, if that’s what you mean.”
“Then I believe we are done for the night.”
Harry agreed. He was tired and ready for rest.
He turned to leave and just as he reached the door, he heard Snape say, “And Potter.”
“Yeah?”
“That was, I daresay, fun. I enjoyed myself.”
Harry turned and left before Snape could see the smile creeping onto Harry’s face.

A/N: Please review, and thank you for the constructive criticism. It really does help me.
Teasers:
“Harry, you don’t look so good.”
“Do you really want to know where Snape’s quarters are?”
“I cannot guarantee that I will not slip, but I will do my best.”