Defending Heart

Chapter 20: The Betrayal of Friendship

Harry and Severus lie in bed on the bright Saturday morning in March. Flowers bloom on the vines of flora that grip around Harry's windowsill, small yellow ones with minds of their own that move and sway even in stagnant air. Spring is fast approaching and school grounds are finally free of snow, instead lush with light green grass and the excitable chatter of Easter plans. More students remain at school than go home at Easter, mostly for the Hogwarts festivities including the feast on Easter Sunday. However, Harry observes his boyfriend is numb to the joys of holiday time. 

Harry looks up at Severus from his position on the pillow. The student stares blankly at the ceiling, distracted enough not to notice Harry creeping up and poking his neck. 

Severus jumps as the poke tickles him, sending flares like a static shock up to his brain. Seizing, he looks at Harry with exaggerated hurt at such an intense betrayal. "Whyyyy, dear?" he rubs the spot to rid himself of the ghost tickles. 

"To prove a point," Harry sits up and crosses his legs, looking down at his boyfriend. "You're preoccupied. What's on your mind?" he frowns and pokes Severus again, though he's expecting it this time and tenses. 

"It's Lily," he admits, looking away in shame. "She hasn't even spoken to me since the attack... she just ignores me, she's changed potions partners. I feel like a horrible person for hurting her so much. I'm terrified I've lost my best friend," 

"Friendships... they die," Harry sighs softly. "And she's probably been very busy with her preaparations for the OWLS. She's in Advanced classes too, you know," 

"Yes, the same ones as me for the most part," Severus sits up too. He swings his legs off the bed and stands up, dressed only in small light blue boxer briefs and one of Harry's Quidditch shirts. He wanders around, stepping between piles of Harry's clothes and books to find his robes. How did they get so scattered?! He's often neater than this. "It isn't because of the OWLS - the OWLS can stuff it for all I care. She and I have been friends for years," he starts tearing up, hiding it under his matted bedhead. Roughly pulling on yesterday's robes and smoothing down his slightly greasy hair in the bedroom mirror, he decides he's at least presentable. 

"If she throws away a friendship so easily, maybe she doesn't deserve to be your friend," Harry smiles warmly, standing up and taking Severus' hand in his own. Turning it over with gently touches, he can't help imagine a deep black snake tattoo slithering over the skin. Pale as moonlight, it'd look like a beacon of death and darkness in the sky. "And from what I've seen, she isn't the type to do that. Your solidified friendship wouldn't let her - there must be a deeper reason she's ignoring you," 

"Fat lotta good it does to know that if she won't even talk to me," Severus shrugs, ripping his hand away from Harry's rougher than necessary. 

Harry wanders the halls talking to students most of the day. He tutors some of the most studious pupils on their struggles, even the 1st years who don't have an exam this year. Who have nothing to study and spend the time doing homework and loudly complaining about the inclemency of the English spring weather. "Morning professor!" calls over a young Hufflepuff he doesn't even teach. A unique child in his altruism who wants to be a Muggle journalist rather than a Great Wizard. Something Harry can admire and relate to. Why live under that mountainous pressure when you can live in peace? That child can use his talents in magic for good in the Muggle world. 

The segregation between the Muggle World and Wizarding World has always been problematic for Harry. While he understands secrecy is necessary, why can't their powers be used discreetly to improve the lives and environment of the Muggles? Architectural masterpieces, the miracle reversal of natural disaster, fields of food growing despite rough harvests in LEDCs. He despises the Wizarding World for keeping these for themselves, the selfishness that must involve. Although he understands why people wouldn't agree with him about this. Many purebloods are sheltered from the struggles of Muggle life. But growing up in their world, Harry can empathise with the disdain Muggles must feel with how difficult their lives are.