Gift for Valkyriekat

[gelsey]

Gift for: valkyriekat

From: acceb23

Title: Boy Trouble
Pairing: MM/SS (friendship), SS/LM, MM/RH
Rating: G
Summary: Minerva asks Severus about his boy trouble.


"Fountain of sorrow, fountain of light
You've known that hollow sound of your own steps in flight
You've had to hide sometimes, but now you're all right
And it's good to see your smiling face tonight"

Fountain of Sorrow - Jackson Browne

Severus sank into the high-winged chair in the staff room with a grateful sigh. Hidden from the students, whiskey in hand and in front of a roaring fire, this was his idea of heaven; and after the week he'd had, he felt sure he deserved it.

"Boy trouble?" asked what had a few seconds ago been a tabby lazing in front of the fire, and what was now a tall, elegant older witch smirking down at him with a raised eyebrow.

Normally questions about his personal life were most unwelcome, but from Minerva they formed what had become over the years comfortable and easy banter. He considered three people close enough to talk honestly to, and they fell conveniently into three different categories. Albus was his boss and sometimes, when the nights were too long and the Dark Lord was too hard, counsellor; Minerva was his best and only true friend; and Lucius was his lover. Ever since Minerva had found out about their often troubled yet enduring relationship, she had teased him about it, giving him the opportunity to speak about it if he wished. In return, he pretended to be blind to the relationship between Minerva and their feisty Quidditch coach, Rolanda Hooch, mocking her for the lack of male company in her life and, in a way that even he considered back-handed, allowed her to talk about the problems she had with her love life.

Closing his eyes, he smiled and took a sip of whiskey before replying, "Jealous?"