Two Left Feet

Two Left Feet

A/N: Thank you for the wonderful reviews.


Posted on January 14th, 2010

Chapter 4:

“Trust”

The Monday following the weekend after Harry’s first lesson with Snape held the promise of his yet to be scheduled meeting. On the table that morning, there was an assortment of toasts with jams, porridge with cream, teas and juices. Harry reached for the lion shaped sugar jar and tapped it nose. It came to life, wiggled its nose and walked over to Harry’s bowl where it opened its mouth and poured sugar into the bowl. “That’s good, thank you.”

The lion resumed its place next to the salt and pepper shakers.

“Finally!” Hermione sighed with relief as Ron and Harry jumped. Ron nearly dropped his spoon into the bowl or porridge. “The prophet has something decent to say about someone.”

“Can’t be too important, I imagine.” Ron pulled back his finger just as the bowl tried to snap it. “Did you see that?!” He pointed at the bowl.

“No, Ron. You’re delusional from the lack of food,” Harry turned back to Hermione. “What’s it say?”

“Healer Selene Quinn will be awarded on October the 12th for her medical studies which have contributed and saved the lives of dozens of victims who have been exposed to a multitude of venom, including the life of Professor Severus Snape. That must’ve been the woman you saw leaving Professor Snape’s office, Harry.” Hermione turned the prophet towards Harry. A photograph in the left hand column featured an older lady with crazy bushy hair and thick glasses speaking to the press with Severus Snape behind her.

“I suppose. I couldn’t imagine what else she would have been doing there.”

“Bloody hell! What is wrong with these dishes?!” Cried Ron as he pushed his porridge away.

“There’s nothing wrong with them,” Harry chuckled as he watched the bowl growl and spit porridge from its mouth.

“I swear! McGonagall’s got us all on a diet plan! I won’t have it!”

“No, Ron. I think it’s because you’ve been brutal to the dishes. Maybe you should be a little gentler with it.” Hermione giggled.

The bowl then sprouted arms, picked up its large round portion, and marched away.

“What have you done to upset it?” Harry asked between hysterical laughs.

“It was the fork! It’s got a nasty pointer.”

“Keep that up and none of the dishes will want to serve you.” Harry turned his attention towards the Slytherins that were walking by. Harry didn’t want to admit it, but he knew that denying it only made him more aware of how eager he was for the next lesson with Snape. He had not received word all weekend about the next meeting, so he was expecting a note or something from Snape. However, no Slytherins ever came towards him and no owl visited him that morning. Harry glanced up at the head table. Snape wasn’t there. It was rare to see him at breakfast. Harry wanted to conclude that if he did eat breakfast and that he ate in the privacy of his quarters. “Hmm…,” now that Harry’s thoughts brought him to the subject, he realised that he knew not of the location of Snape’s personal chambers, or any other professor’s except McGonagall’s and Slughorn’s.

“Something on your mind again? You have that look,” Ginny sat down next to Harry, her back to the table. Her ginger hair was shiner today and as long and straight as ever. She caught his eyes with her smile.

Harry gave the smallest indication of a smile then spoke, “Not really.” By the way she tilted her head and raised one brow, Ginny knew he was lying. “D’you know where Snape’s quarters are?”

She nearly choked on a laugh. “No. Of course not. I can’t imagine why I would want to either.” Her laughs were rarely loud. They were almost always discreet.

“Well, in the case you needed to speak to him and you’ve been to all his other hideaways….”

“I don’t know anyone who’d be that desperate to see him. If he’s hiding way, then why not enjoy his absence?”

Well, no one could understand why unless they knew about Harry’s lessons, but they were private and Harry wanted to withhold that information for as long as possible. If word leaked into the halls that Harry was seeking personal guidance in dance, then his pride would be in jeopardy. In addition, he wasn’t sure if Snape preferred to keep his charity case on a low note. But since Snape agreed to help him and since Harry knew about Snape always following through on his promises, then the next worse thing could only be if Snape was forced to tutor even more students; making it so that time that was supposed to be spent on Harry was divided. Snape couldn’t do one thing for Harry then be expected to only show favour with him.

And sharing was not okay with Harry at the present time.

However, by the end of breakfast, Harry had another thing to worry about. He had not received said note from Snape. He exited the Great Hall with Ginny by his side, rather curious about why it hadn’t come. And he didn’t have his Defense class till later in the afternoon. Hopefully he would receive something by then.

So, with some hope, Harry managed to get through most of his classes with ease, except for the new spells in Transfigurations, but Harry wanted to blame that on the new teacher. His accent was thick and because of his pronunciations, it was hard to discern consonants. He had to make a note to ask McGonagall later for assistance.

Then at last, it was the second to last class of the day. Snape’s class. Harry did not hurry towards it, but did not take his time as Ron had. He walked along side Hermione and Ginny, talking casually about nonsense and doing his best to keep his anxiety in check. However, once again, Harry walked in to find Headmistress McGonagall taking care for an absent Snape. That could explain why Harry hadn’t received a note. “In you seats and quiet please.”

Something that felt like a heavy, sharp edged rock plunged onto the bottom of Harry’s belly. Oh god… McGonagall’s presence was disconcerting and Harry hoped she wasn’t there to relay depressing news; such as something horrible about Snape overdosing on antidote, Snape being out for an unknown extensive period of time, Snape having to take a leave of absence… or worse. Harry’s skin chilled and he felt like he swallowed a bucket of ice along with that bolder. “Potter, are you alright?”

Harry blinked back into reality. His skin was covered in gooseflesh and it hurt. His fingers rarely felt this cold. “I’m just wandering about Professor Snape.”

“That is a private matter, Potter. But he did leave an assignment behind which will be due at the end of class. He told me you were working on magical charms and manipulation. I expect you all to practise it today with your classmates. At the end of class, you will turn in the review at the end of the chapter.”

The students groaned. That always happened when Snape was away.

Harry got up, to practise with Ginny, but when he faced the desk, he noticed a parcel on Snape’s desk next to piles of papers. There was scribble on it, otherwise it looked ordinary. Harry wandered if it was for him. Then as McGonagall left the front to move around the classroom, Harry flicked his wand and the parcel soared across the room and into his hand. He slipped it into his pocket just as McGonagall turned around. If it wasn’t for him, well then all he had to do was place it back on the desk. He waited until she was looking elsewhere before he turned the letter upwards. He grinned. It was for him! He just knew it! Quickly, he undid the wax seal and opened the note.

Do not dare think I am trying to run away from you. You know where I went, and I will be back. Until then, practise and remember that you have a right foot.

Harry chuckled as he reread the address of the parcel. Now he knew why it couldn’t be sent by owl or person.

To the person with two left feet.

Harry really hoped he didn’t become fond of Snape’s apparent new nickname for him. At least it was better than all the others he’d been deemed.

Harry Potter Harry Potter Harry Potter


“Well, if it isn’t Two Left Feet.” Snape’s folded his hands over his desk as Harry entered the classroom later that night.

“Is that supposed to be some kind of codename?”

Snape exhaled, “I fear so. A name for a project I have undertaken.”

“And here I was scared that it was some sort of term of endearment.” Harry laughed but Snape didn’t seem amused.

“You think too highly of yourself. I believe you are here for a schedule?”

Harry nodded.

Snape’s finger touched a parcel he was leaning over and pushed it into view. “Well, why didn’t you just take it along with the other note?”

Harry recalled the note in his pocket. It suddenly felt heavier and for the life of him, Harry didn’t know why consciously. “I didn’t see it.” Harry moved forwards, wary of Snape. Something was amiss. And it stunned Harry when he touched the parcel and Snape slapped his hand on the desk next to Harry’s. “You will never touch anything on my desk again without my consent.” Snape’s eyes looked dangerously up at Harry’s, and though he was still seated and Harry was standing, Harry felt vulnerable, as if expected to be attacked.

Harry stepped back. “I thought you meant to give it to me, but figured I would come for it if you couldn’t deliver it to me.”

“Why did you assume that?”

“It had my name on it.”

Snape’s closed his eyes. “You might not be the only one I am giving lessons to.”

“You’re giving lessons to someone else?” Harry’s hand twitched and felt cold. He felt cold. Harry really didn’t want this to become a habit. It was just as disconcerting as McGonagall every time she appeared in Snape’s classroom.

Snape rose suddenly and Harry took a whole step back. “The note’s yours. I will see you tomorrow.” Snape swept out of the classroom before Harry could further pester him, leaving the doors open.

Harry stared at the path Snape had taken until he was sure he was in no more danger. Another thought he didn’t want to consider. Snape would never endanger him. Not even if he was giving him hell and then some. Though he might be aggressive with him during dance… he might even toss him around and make his dizzy with those nasty spins and that scent of him… Then he might dip him and bring him up quickly and maybe…

Harry’s eyes felt dry. He had been staring at the letter for too long now. His mind was doing a dance with possibilities that Harry really wished he would stop woolgathering about. Going back and forth between the real, snarky Snape and the imaginary Snape that would dare to go beyond their appropriate relationship to master the intimate art of dance. Harry snatched up the parcel and opened it with haste.

Tomorrow night.

That’s all it said… “What time?!” Harry shook the note as if expecting the time to fall off the page and reveal itself. If Harry was early, Snape would ignore him. If he was late the consequences would be dire. “Bloody hell.”

This was a dance Harry didn’t want to engage in. He folded the note and put it in his pocket stuff in beside the other note. “Tomorrow night then.” What was happening to him?


Severus Snape Severus Snape Severus Snape

“Going out again?” asked Ginny as she watched Harry career towards the exit, jumping over dorm mates and books and scattered pillows.

“Yeah. Need some fresh air.”

“Don’t get caught, Harry. Would you like me to go with you?”

“No. I need some time to myself.”

Ginny nodded. “Alright. Watch out for Professor Snape.”

“Always do,” Harry smiled as he stepped over the portrait hole. He really couldn’t afford to tell her. At least not until his proficiency began to show with satisfying results.

He hurried across the halls with his Marauders’ Map in hand. Once he reached Snape’s classroom, he entered and right away, the music began to flow. Snape stepped into view and did the customary bow before continuing forward. “Follow my moves, Potter, without my guidance.”

Snape started with the simple steps they had rehearsed last time. Harry did his best while keeping in tempo. Only, he felt a little stiff and knew that Snape had noticed. The older wizard continued to move both upper and lower body with ease in a harmonized sync, but Harry’s movements were deprived of the graceful flow proper dancing required. “If you don’t mind me asking, where did you learn to dance?”

Snape didn’t answer. Harry supposed the music was too loud, but Harry heard Snape just fine.

“Professor?”

“Clear your head, Potter, and listen only to the music.”

It was easier for Harry to believe that Snape took lessons at some point in his life. Only, he must practise regularly, otherwise he would’ve forgotten most of this. Then again, Salsa and Rumba were very simple in their initial levels. Maybe once they advanced, then Harry would really get a taste of Snape’s proficiency. If Snape was still as good as he must’ve been, then Harry just had to learn everything. And he wanted to learn quickly. “Perhaps I’d dance better if you danced with me.” Harry’s suggestion was purely educational, but he knew it could easily be construed as inappropriate.

Nevertheless, Snape was facing him within seconds and then his hands were fastened to Harry’s. Harry’s hands felt hot against Snape’s, though his were not cold either. They were warm, but Harry’s were so much warmer. At least they weren’t sweaty like Ron’s. But they were suddenly shaking and his arms were incredibly stiff. “Potter.”

Harry’s eyes jumped up to meet Snape’s.

“Do we need to go over those exercises?”

Harry knew exactly which ones Snape meant. And his stomach felt like it was too small for all bees buzzing inside. It kind of hurt and it made him feel very uneasy. Harry didn’t like this. So far, he didn’t like any of the feelings that had come to associate themselves with Snape and his proximity. “No, sir.” He responded, but his answer was weak and barely audible.

Then the cooler hands had released their grip on his hands and a flat hand was being pressed against his. Harry watched with fascination and glazed over eyes as Snape intertwined their fingers then squeezed. Harry couldn’t swallow. There was some unconscious blockage in his throat.

Quickly, the tense pressure released and Snape ran his thumb over Harry’s palm. “Relax,” he whispered, and his voice shook the nerve endings on Harry’s skin. His skin chilled.

“I am here to guide you until I have taught you all I know.” Snape’s hand was beneath Harry’s wrist, tickling the sensitive skin with the lightest of touches. “If you need reassurance, every touch I bestow is intended to guide you and not entice. Should I touch you inappropriately, you need to inform me. I cannot guarantee that I will not slip, but I will do my best.”

By this point, those large hands were sliding impassively over Harry’s lower arms. Harry felt in the least disgusted. And that frightened him.

Then two words awoke him and broke into his thoughts, “Touch me.” Snape’s hands had become still and Harry’s hovered above them. Harry’s face felt aflame. He lowered his hands and ran them over Snape’s palms, up his arms and then towards his elbow. Harry grasped a hold of Snape then looked at the man with attempted casualty. He wanted to prove that he could do this with the same passiveness Snape had displayed. But quickly, his hormonal teenage mind processed this into a game of dare, and to see how far one could go. How far would his professor let him go? He had played this game numerous times and always lost to his fellow lions. They could play until there was no more skin to touch, but Harry always panicked as soon as someone came within a few inches. Why was he willing with Snape? Was it because he was really just touching him through fabric? Either way, his hands moved upwards, finger tips first sweeping the surface with the lightest of touches. Then his hands touched down and he felt along Snape’s shoulders, fingers moving upwards along the muscular arch and palms over the hard clavicle, only stopping when his thumbs grazed the base of Snape’s neck. He waited for Snape to stop him, but the man never did. Trust… this is for trust… But Harry felt that all this could do was complicate already confusing matters. Then his hands were moving of their own accord and soon he could feel the soft of the man’s skin and it was… Harry didn’t let that thought fully process. Harry’s finger played with the hemming as casually as he could muster before they dared to go further and the music drowned his thoughts. He found what he was seeking. His touch feathered the wound and a hard, nearly painful, clenched stopped him from further touching. Harry nearly yelped. “Have you become obsessed?” Snape wrenched Harry’s hands away from him.

“Never!”

“Does it satisfy you to know I bleed? That I too am susceptible to injuries? Does it fascinate you, Potter?”

“I’m not fascinated with anything!”

“Except the bite wound on my neck!” Snape demonstrated by unbuttoning his collar and pulling it away from the damaged skin.

Harry wanted to turn away, but his eyes were fixed and he could not stop. Snape’s neck was hideous, bruised and there were tiny puncture wounds around the area… it must’ve been treatment for the wound. Dark brown was smeared across the multicoloured skin. And suddenly, Harry was reaching out again. His trance, only broken, when Snape’s hand forced it away.

Then the music stopped.

“You will explain to me why my sustained injuries beguile you.”

“You know why! I was there! I saw the mess and I heard you scream and I know what you look like when you’re in severe pain! The wound was so terrible I thought that was going to be the last I would ever see of you.” Harry stopped. His hands were trembling in Snape’s grasp.

Then suddenly he was yanked forwards by a powerful wrench. Harry half thought he was going to find himself in an unexplainable situation, but Snape spun him, again and again and then they were dancing. “Trust me,” Snape repeated to him.

They were flying across the floor. Snape had dropped the subject about Harry’s hypnotization with his neck for a thorough lesson in dance. “Quick, quick, slow,” Snape repeated over and over again until it became something like a chant in Harry’s ear.

Harry Potter Harry Potter Harry Potter

“So you are receiving lessons from Professor Snape? That’s nice.” Luna smiled.

“You can’t tell anyone, Luna. Especially Ginny.”

“I don’t think anyone would believe me even if I did. You can trust me.” Luna nodded. “Although, why tell me?”

“Cause you’re my friend and I needed someone to talk about these lessons. They’ve been very heavy with a lot of things.”

“I can imagine. I hope the professor is treating you kindly. I think you should take some wrackspurts to him, they fly around your ear and make your head a little fuzzy.”

“Thanks, but I think there’s enough fuzziness.”

Luna admired the shops at Hogsmeade from the outside, occasionally inspecting the displayed items, but always moving on. “You sure you don’t want to look at anything?”

“No. I’m alright,” Luna said with passiveness.

“Then would you like to go to the Hog’s Head and get some butterbeer?”

“That sounds lovely,” Luna followed Harry into the pub.

As soon as they entered, Harry’s eyes widened as he saw Professor Snape seated in a corner with some stranger. He thought quickly and pulled Luna to a table just the opposite end of the pub where he could see Snape but Snape had his back to him. “That’s strange. I didn’t know Professor Snape had friends.”

Harry didn’t know either. But then they were sitting close. Perhaps the conservation was fascinating. Harry wandered what it was that Snape talked about. What captured the man’s attention? Harry watched carefully, then they got up and were heading for door. They were so engrossed in their conversation that Snape walked by Harry and didn’t even notice him. That was odd. “Hmm….”

“You want to follow them, don’t you?” asked Luna, a bit of excitement evident in her tone.

“Yeah. Be right back.”

Luna nodded.

Harry hurried and reached outside just as the tail of a black coat rounded the corner. Harry ran as lightly on his feet as he could. What could Snape be up too, going into the tight alleys of the streets? He turned the corner too, just as he heard a groan. His eyes’ widened at the noise and his blood felt hot. Could the stranger have hurt Snape? Harry hurried forwards until he saw another alley. He stopped then turned and he felt something foul against the back of his throat.

“That’s interesting…,” Luna’s voice broke through to him and he turned to look at her.

“Luna…”

“Harry, you don’t look so good,” Luna touched his face.

Harry’s eyes moved slowly towards the embraced couple. Snape… pressing another man against the filthy walls…Snape… touching another man… Snape… snogging another man. Harry blinked several times, trying to change the image and they continued their embrace, unaware of the speculators. Until Harry tasted bile. He leaned forward. Memories of the last week heavy on his mind and hands still sensitive to the touch of the older wizard’s hands. He retched.

Luna stepped back. “Harry!” He looked up and sure enough, Snape and his partner were looking directly at him. Bile rose and Harry’s whole body jerked as he threw up the rest of that afternoon’s lunch. What was wrong with him? What had gone wrong with him? Without another glance at his professor and supposed lover, Harry ran. He never wanted to smell earth again.

Severus Snape Severus Snape Severus Snape

Harry tossed a rock into the water. Beside him, Hagrid skipped stones merrily. “’Tis a calming thing. Skippin’ rocks.”

Harry chuckled. It was at times. Especially if you could identify your stress and accept it. Harry didn’t want to accept that seeing Snape acting intimate towards someone could make him feel so queasy. It just didn’t make sense when one thought about it. Now, if he saw Ginny snogging another bloke…. Harry felt his blood boiling again and his hands shaking. Who was that man anyways? Snogging Snape like some adolescent on the streets! Where his students could easily see him! Well, if they went looking. And why was he groaning? Did Snape’s kisses really feel that good? Who would ever want to be kissed by him? Did the man even smell good up close?

“Yeah… calming,” Harry threw a rock as far as he could. It smacked the water and splashed before sinking.

“Reckon it’s going ter rain soon.”

Did the man kiss Snape’s neck? How long have they been involved?

Another rock smacked the surface with tremendous force.

“What’s eatin’ yeh, Harry?”

“Nothing. I’m just stressed.”

“Can ay help?”

“No. It’s fine. It’s just stuff with classes. I should be studying more.”
Hagrid nodded then turned to look up at the sky. “Here comes an owl.”

Harry looked up at the white sky and distinguished a black owl riding the winds towards them. A letter fastened to him.

Well, it couldn’t be from Snape. Not after that. Either the man would be too proud to be in Harry’s presense again or was so bloody pissed at his disrupting the moment that he didn’t want to bother with Harry anymore.

Soon the owl landed on the rock beside Harry and stretched out her leg. Attached was a small note. Harry looked at the address and immediately knew who sent it.

Two Left Feet

Snape had to stop calling Harry that. Harry read the rest of the note.

Come to my office immediately.


A/N: So, what do you think Snape will talk about with Harry? Please review!

Teasers:

“Care to explain what you were doing lost in the alleys with Ms. Lovegood?”

“What is this really about?”

“I cannot tell you. Besides, I might not get another lesson. I did something stupid on Sunday.”