It was an insecure Severus who arrived in the tea room at 9 AM on the dot. The glow in Harry's eyes when they met, however, made Severus believe the impossible.

The tea room decoration was utterly adorable in its complete taste bypass: flowery wallpaper and tablecloths, little paintings of country scenes on the walls, vases of flowers on every table. Severus, who knew the Muggle world too well, had always been intrigued by how the Wizarding World seemed to perpetuate the most obsolete and stereotypical elements of the Muggle culture and subculture.

The tea - served in little pots supplied with a small jug of milk and a sugar bowl - tasted excellent. Harry had chosen Darjeeling. It wasn't Severus's favourite, but he wanted to have the same as Harry. Soon they were surrounded by Victoria sponges, gateaux, cream cakes, toasted teacakes, pastries and scones.

Between a sponge and a scone, they talked about the old times and friends. To Severus's horror, Harry told him that Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley already had four children. Severus countered by talking about Draco and Pansy, who had a single daughter, the beautiful Amaryllis.

Suddenly, Harry admitted he was astonished to see how similar he and Severus were, and Severus couldn't help but agree. They had both lived their lives waiting for one moment; that moment had come and passed, and they had survived. Not that they missed their younger years - they were wiser, calmer and happier now. But it was as if they had already fulfilled their mission, and the future didn't hold anything special for them. Severus dared to hope they were both wrong.

After finishing their tea and paying the bill, they went out and walked in the park.

A gothic fountain overlooked a broad grass walk, flanked by double herbaceous borders and hollyhock beds. They walked towards the lake and sat on a stone bench beneath a willow tree, and watched the ducks and swans.

When their eyes met, Harry complained, "How can I seduce you, if you keep reading all my thoughts?"

Those words were like a spark to dry timber...

"If that is the case, I promise not to use Legilimency," said Severus. "I don't want to hinder your progress."

Harry smiled, and Severus realised he wouldn't have to wait longer. Harry rested a hand on his shoulder; their faces approached. Severus closed his eyes and felt warm, velvet lips touch his. Severus moved one hand to Harry's nape to hold him there and never let him go.