This was important, the former Death Eater realised. So, he took his time to think about it. To think about all the things Harry had done and everything he could do in the future. Finally, he admitted, "No, but then ... I've not been afraid of pain for a long time. There are worse things you could do than hurt me physically." Then, as if to prove his conviction, he opened his arms. Harry leaned in with little incentive. "I won't, Severus." The young man promised. "But I understand that you don't trust that. Not now. And that's okay. As it is, I'll have all the time in the world to prove it to you." The Potion Master did not reply, he merely hugged Harry tighter, before letting his arm sink around the young man's waist, picking up the journal he had started after dinner. Their evening past with no conversation but both slipped into a comfortable sleep after retreating to their respective beds.