A Question of Etiquette by swtalmnd (NC-17)

[stageira.livejournal.com]

Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Harry Potter/Severus Snape, others
Length: 153.620 words
Author on LJ: swtalmnd (not active), swtalmnd at Insanejournal
Author Website: The Bunny Farm
Why this must be read: Is it actually a very interesting idea of how lessons about a certain kind of Etiquette would go.
Say that homosexuality was not an out and about thing in the Wizarding world and someone doesn't know how to actually, you know, show interest or not, how to be picked up. Normal stuff *g*

The writing is amazing, Snape is "oscillating" between being the good guy, the horny guy and his usual snarky bastard self. Poor Harry is nothing but a bundle of sex starved teen. But he wants Snape or nothing. Other people help. Snape gets off and Harry does, occasionally. The twins help. A LOT :)

Special note: Please pay attention to the warnings.



A question of etiquette

"Very few Wizarding liaisons of this sort last for more than a night or two," said Snape quietly. "While it is possible and even quite respectable for two wizards to marry, the taboos against conventional methods of courtship are strong, and tend to discourage such alliances before they can be formed. Many Wizarding relationships of this sort are conducted between an older man and a younger one, as well, a means by which the proper etiquette is often passed on."

Harry blushed unaccountably at this, but Snape ignored it, soldiering on. "A wizard who is open to these sorts of relationships will often wear a small but obvious piece of jewelry to indicate his preference. When I am open to such things, which is rarely due my position as a teacher, I have a small signet ring which I wear on the smallest finger of my right hand. I would show it to you, but do not keep it at Hogwarts at all, to prevent the temptation to court a student."

"So, er, Wizarding boys know this stuff?" asked Harry, trying desperately to ignore the last statement.

"For someone such as, for example, Mr. Malfoy, the basic signs are a small part of the etiquette he grew up learning. Miss Parkinson, as well, would know not to expect more than a polite dance invitation from such a man, nor would mothers attempt to fling their daughters at him. Certain of the students would recognize the sign, and consider it an invitation to indiscretion, should they themselves also lean in that direction. Although, as far as I am aware, you are the only student over the age of consent at this time with such tastes."

"Wait, so it's not against the rules if I'm sixteen?" blurted Harry, a wild hope kindling in him. If Harry was the only available target, maybe Snape would return some small measure of his interest.

Snape glared at him sharply and snapped, "Of course it is, foolish boy. But it is unthinkable for me to consider such things about anyone who is not at least of an age to legally consent."

"Oh," said Harry softly, optimism once again turning to cold realism. "So, er, there's not much chance for me while I'm here, then?"

Snape rolled his eyes and sneered, saying, "I have doubt there's much hope for you, period, boy."

"Right, thanks," said Harry glumly, retreating behind his swiftly-cooling tea. Snape seemed to catch himself from saying anything further, instead taking a single, neat bite of his lemon biscuit. He set it back down and absently licked the sugary crumbs from his fingertips, bringing life right back into Harry's wilting erection. Snape's lips were thin and dry, but his tongue was pink and wet, his teeth even and white. Harry wondered suddenly how he would taste, of tea and lemon and sugar, and blushed.

Snape picked up his tea and took a sip, making a face at the temperature. He picked up his wand from the table where he'd left it and cast a simple warming spell, causing steam to rise up from both cups and the pot as well. "Be that as it may, you will be among wizards for at least part of your summer, and assuming you have a future, it will behoove you to avoid the normal indiscretions allowed the young due to your unfortunate celebrity."

"So, er, all this..." Harry made a feeble gesture between them.

"It is an optimistic attempt to shield you from the sorts of blunders most wizards of our persuasion make at your age," said Snape sharply, although the sneer had faded somewhat.

"Oh," said Harry again. "Er, thanks. I mean... no one really bothers to tell me about stuff like this, they just figure I'll pick it up, because my parents were... I guess they forget I grew up with Muggles."

Snape nodded once, and sipped his tea again. "I will teach you to recognize the type of sign that will alert you to a wizard of our inclination--"

"Can't you just say 'gay'?" said Harry, exasperated. "Or is that a dirty word?"

Snape looked faintly shocked and irritated. "Don't interrupt. And yes, it is a dirty word, which I would advise you avoid in polite society."

"Bugger," said Harry softly, garnering a reproving glare from Snape. "So I'll have to go around saying things like 'preference' and 'predilection' when I'm hitting on a bloke?"

Snape coloured again, just a soft flush of pink across his high cheekbones which made Harry wonder once more. "If I were attempting to solicit your company, which I most assuredly am not, I would do so in a very circumspect manner, yes." Snape sighed and put his tea down altogether, uncrossing his legs and rising.

Harry tried very hard not to get caught staring at the line of Snape's trousers and the way they bunched and moved where his legs met. He'd never thought about Snape having a cock before, but now he couldn't get the image out of his head. Snape walked over to the mantelpiece, ignoring the glower from the painting and fidgeting with one of several small, decorative vials displayed there.

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