slytherinroses

Title:Those Sweet Moments in Time
Author:

Slytherinroses
Fandom:Harry Potter
Characters/Main Pairing:Harry Potter/Severus Snape
Rating:PG
Word Count:1189
Tags:Holiday AU, Sweet Tea
Challenge:hp_coffeehouse
Summary:Two men ponder the direction of their lives on a terrace in the Greek Isles. The man sipping sweet tea ponders what his life would be like with the man next door.
Notes: Prompt 63 - Coffee/Tea in Hot Weather/Summer

It was while he sat on the terrace of his villa in the Greek isles, sipping sweet tea, that he first caught a glimpse of him, standing on the neighbouring terrace looking out to where the sun kissed the ocean. The tanned fit body leaning on the terraces railing, hair black as night moving with the gentle summer breeze that afforded them a moments reprieve from the blistering sun. It was later as he returned from dinner to watch the sun dip below the calm water that he saw him again on the terrace, relaxing in the lounger, drink in hand. Again after that as he was taking time out from sight seeing and the hustle and bustle of life on the island and simply enjoying reading on the terrace sipping more sweet tea, that he saw him again, this time glittering eyes catching his, a hand raising in a casual wave, hint of a smile playing at his lips. Heart fluttering he returned to his book intent on absorbing every word.

In the restaurant downstairs, while he waited for his table to be ready, did he see him again, leaning on the bar, complimenting him on the aroma of his drink, Sweet tea he had replied feebly, a mixture of peach and orange he thought. His pulse racing as the man asks if he is expecting anyone and would he mind if he joined him? Of course he says, please sit down. Conversation flows as if they are old friends and not complete strangers, neighbours who casually spy the other, who wave or smile in polite greeting. He is here to take a break from life, or as it turns out because his friends told him to take a break to get away before he drove them all mad and they were forced to take drastic measures. I am here too to take time out of everyday life, to ponder my next move he says. The tranquility of the island and the serenity of the ocean speaks to him, affords him comfort.

A hearty chuckle is the response and an understanding of what it feels like to be unsure of the direction life often takes you. The maitre’d informs him that his table is ready, on the spur of the moment he finds himself inviting his companion to join him, provided his hand no other pressing engagements. The man gives him an easy smile and they move from the bar to the table, nestled against the window that looks out over the ocean, waves gently rolling in to shore. Dinner morphs into coffee and a late night walk along the grounds of the resort, watching the stars coming to life in the night sky, a murmured farewell separates them and the click of each door is the only sound that can be heard. Slumber comes easily as do the dreams of that night, each waking the next morning with lingering thoughts of the night before.

It is three days later he gets up the courage to knock on the door and invite him to join him in the village, sightseeing and perhaps lunch and one of the taverns? He accepts with a warm smile that lights up the bright green eyes he has yet had the chance to study up close. As someone who has always found being in another’s company to be awkward and unsettling, he can’t quite fathom how easy being in this man’s company is. They walk, laugh, and talk through the village. Stopping at a market to browse the stalls. Both make purchases and note the common interest of books they have. The world around them narrows and it becomes only them as they sit outside the tavern, sipping sweet tea and eating glorious food. We should do this again he says as they walk back to the resort, shoulders touching, hands brushing the other, innocent glances and smiles. He would like that he replies and they settle on a time and place.

It was a week later they shared their first kiss under the stars at the waters edge. Languid, tender and holding the promise of more. Eyes darken and faces are flushed when they part. Hands twine as they continue on their way, lips tingling with sensations, bodies reacting and both thanking the gods that it’s nightfall. On the terrace, he wraps him in his arms, drinking in the scent of him, relishing the feel of his body against his own, committing everything to memory. Days pass in a blur of stolen kisses, clasped hands and growing attraction, each wondering how long before they will give in and take what they desire.

On a warm night, after a summer storm, he takes him to bed, worshipping every inch of his beautiful body as he makes sweet love to him, whispering words of passion as they are tipped over the edge. Sated and in his arms he hears those immortal words, his heart sings, his smile as wide as the ocean. He never thought he could feel as much as he does for someone as he feels for him, he confesses. Dawn breaks and they are simply content to lie in each other’s arms caressing and whispering. The contentment soon turns to passion and sounds of ecstasy echo around the room.

Six months later they return, to the same island, the same resort. Only one villa is needed this time, their terrace looking out of the endless sea of blue shimmering in the golden sunlight. He has the whole thing planned, as been planning it for weeks, possibly even months. He waits until the stars have come to life, until he is comfortable sitting on the chairs, before he appears beside him, gets down on one knee and produces a black velvet box. Declaring his love for this beautiful man he asks for his hand in marriage to spend his life making him the happiest man on the earth. He whispers yes, before taking his face in his hands and pressing his lips against his, and later takes him in his arms and shows his love, his commitment to him.

Ten years later, they return to the same island, the same resort. It has become tradition to return to the same place they fell in love for each important anniversary. The last time was 5 years ago when they came with their children who are almost grown and have lives of their own. On the terrace watching the sun glistened over the ocean, he feels a strong pair of arms wrap around his waist and a gentle kiss placed at his temple.

‘I think this place gets more beautiful each time we come’ Harry says, leaning against the strong chest.

‘It does indeed’ Severus replies ‘so do you. I am so glad I took a chance and knocked on your door all those years ago, the man who stole my breath every time I saw him’

‘Me too’ Harry smiled ‘I am glad I agreed to go out with the man who sipped sweet tea on his terrace’

Title: Ruined
Author:

slytherinroses
Fandom: Harry Potter
Characters/Main Pairing: HarryPotter/Severus Snape
Rating: General
Word Count: 1200
Tags: Coffee AU,
Challenge:

hp_coffeehouse
Summary: Harry can't seem to stop crying, especially when he spills his coffee
Notes: Prompt 61 - Spilled Contents

Damn, sodding bastard’ Harry hissed jumping back from his desk as the contents of his coffee created a brown pool in the centre of the notebook he had been writing in. The more he tried to stop the minor flood, the worse things became.

Stripping off his robes, and cursing under his breath Harry hung it on the hook, waving his wand over the garment. Turning back to the table and misguiding his steps, Harry stubbed his toe on the leg of his chair and while he was steadying himself put his hand in the puddle of coffee, which was still scalding hot, thanks to the heating charms he’d cast over it. ‘Fuck, fuck, fuck, right wanker bastard, he cursed holding his hand.

‘Having troubles?’ A voice asked from the doorway to his office

Harry looked up and narrowed his eyes at his visitor ‘what’s it bloody look like’ he snapped

Severus took a breath and walked further into the office. This had been one of Harry’s many default moods of late, the former Potions Master turned Ministry worker had learned very quickly to go with the flow and wait till it passed.

‘Are you all right?’ Severus asked cautiously, scanning the desk for Harry’s wand, lest he used it against him (not that he needed it)

‘I spilled my coffee, which was lovely by the way, I got it from the Coffee Cart witch, she makes the best coffee, stubbed my toe and burnt my sodding hand and now everything’s ruined’ Harry countered, his hand throbbing in pain.

Severus gently took his hand and muttered a spell, Harry could feel the pain abating almost instantly and he breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Thank you’ he said quietly

‘What else can I help with?’ Severus asked

‘Nothing’ Harry said ‘my notebook is ruined, all my hard work writing things down for the hearing is ruined, and now that poor girl’s adoption wont go through and she’ll be stuck in the orphanage for life, she’ll be traumatised more than she already is and will be all my fault’

Tears had begun to well in his eyes; Severus took another breath and gathered the distraught wizard into his arms. ‘We can get you another notebook and you’ve a very good memory and will be able to copy down everything again or we could use this wonderful invention called magic and spell the book dry’

Harry looked up at his husband through his tear filled eyes ‘Don’t be a smart arse’ he scoffed and buried his head back into Severus’ chest ‘I’ve worked so hard to make sure this adoption goes through and now it’s gone just gone, the family will never forgive me, I’ll lose my job and be cast out onto the street, you’ll leave me for someone who has a job and isn’t a loser’

Severus took another deep breath and held onto Harry a little tighter. He knew how important the adoption of this child was to his husband, the hours of work he had put into assembling the required forms, the countless arguments and Ministry red tape he’d had and overcome just to get a date in front of the wizard court. Severus knew it was his husbands difficult childhood that had driven him to ensure this child got the life and love she deserved.

As head of the Ministries adoption department he carried the burden and responsibility on his shoulders more than his colleagues. Harry had been made for the job and several successful adoptions had already been approved because of Harry’s dedication to his job, including his former Hogwarts classmates who’d been unable to conceive a child. All of this he could understand and could fix for his husband, what baffled the older wizard was the reaction Harry was having to a spilled cup of coffee.

This too had been a regular occurrence in the repertoire of his husbands ever changing moods. Last week he had teared up over a strawberry he’d been eating, saying the taste was so sweet and he was sure nothing had ever tasted so good. On another occasion Severus had been dressed in formal robes for a function, Harry came into their bedroom and burst into tears at how handsome he looked.

‘We will sort it out’ he soothed ‘there are always your memories that can be viewed and don’t you normally use a memory sphere as a back up?’

‘Broke it yesterday’ Harry mumbled into Severus’ chest ‘Delilah hasn’t gotten around to ordering any more from the supply room’

Severus recalled that the previous day, when he’d come to collect Harry for lunch, his eyes had been red rimmed as though from crying, Harry had brushed it off as having had a sneezing fit. ‘I will personally go and get you one from the supply room and have it on your desk by the end of the day’

‘Thanks Sev’ Harry sniffled ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately, I cry over the smallest things, every inch of me hurts, I am sensitive all over the place’

‘Anywhere in particular?’ Severus teased lightly and was jabbed for his troubles ‘perhaps you should go and see a Healer?’

‘I made an appointment for this afternoon’ Harry murmured ‘why did you come to see me?’

‘Thought we might go and have lunch together, maybe a stroll in the park?’ Severus suggested

‘Does it include another cup of coffee?’ Harry asked hopefully

‘It can be arranged, yes’ Severus smiled

‘Ok’

Harry and Severus sat in the consulting rooms of St Mungo’s later that afternoon waiting for the results of the tests the Healers had performed. Things had improved slightly after the tumultuous morning, although Harry opted to not inform his husband he’d had another crying jag when the Coffee Cart witch had brought him a piece of lime cheesecake especially after hearing he’d had a bad morning. His husbands doing no doubt Harry had concluded. ‘Probably got some weird arse virus that’s going around’ Harry said offhandedly as he sat flicking through a magazine.

‘Knowing you it will be some unique malady that no-one has ever heard of’ Severus jibed
‘Definitely won’t be made privy to my sensitive spots now’ Harry shot back

‘I know everything one of them intimately’ Severus all but purred

‘Not anymore’ Harry sniffed

‘Thank you for waiting gentlemen’ the Healer said as he came into the consulting room, a file folder in hand ‘I have your results Harry’

‘What’s wrong with me?’ Harry asked, his voice edged with nervousness, Severus took his hand in his own and squeezed gently.

‘Nothing serious’ the Healer said assuringly ‘it is my great pleasure to inform you both that Harry is pregnant’

‘Oh Merlin’ Harry breathed ‘I’m- I’m pregnant?’

‘Yes, about 8 weeks along’ the Healer confirmed

‘Sev we’re going to be parents’ Harry whispered, tears filling his eyes ‘we’re going to have a baby’

‘We are my love’ Severus replied, tears of his own forming

‘A baby’ Harry muttered, laying a hand over his stomach

‘A baby’ Severus repeated ‘What a perfect end to the day’

As the months progressed, Severus acquainted himself with Harry’s sensitive places old and new.

Title: Coffee and Cake
Author: slytherinroses
Fandom: Harry Potter
Characters/Main Pairing: HarryPotter/Severus Snape
Rating: General
Word Count: 2643
Tags: Coffeeshop AU, Blind Date
Challenge: hp_coffeehouse
Summary: Single parent Harry Potter agrees to go on a blind date at a cafe in Diagon Alley, what happens next is something he never expected.
Notes: Prompt 62 - Cafe Date

‘I really don’t know why dad has his wand in a knot’ Albus whispered to Teddy, from their place outside Harry’s room. ‘Its only coffee and cake’

‘I don’t think that’s what he’s worried about Al’ Teddy said sombrely ruffling the 9 year olds head

‘You know I can hear you right?’ a voice called from the bedroom

‘Yeah we know’ Albus replied, abandoning his spot on the floor, walking into his fathers room and flopping himself down on the bed.

Harry shook his head at his son’s forthrightness and continued getting dressed, he was up to shirt number 5 and as far as pants went, he had just donned pair number 3. It had been far too long since he had been out on a date let alone a blind one that he’d let his soon to be former friend talk him into. Single parents didn’t go out on blind dates; single parents didn’t do much of anything-social wise, well not this single parent anyway. After the turmoil of years gone by Harry had preferred the safety of his home, going out into the world seemed like too monumental a task and more often then not shied away from invitations.

His friends, the ones he had left that was, decided it was time for Harry to get back to the land of the living and start living life again. Ginny had left him in an emotional and financial mess a few years earlier, which had only now climbed out of through sheer hard work and determination to provide of his son and godson. Those who hadn’t sided with Ginny and by extension the rest of the Weasley family, did whatever they could for Harry to get him back on his feet.

‘Can’t believe I let that Irish prat talk me into this’ Harry muttered as he threw another shirt onto the pile and rummaged through his closet in search of a replacement.

‘You’ll be fine Uncle Harry’ Teddy assured him ‘now let’s get you dressed or you’ll be late’ he went into his godfathers closet and pulled out a blue button down shirt and a pair of stonewashed jeans, handing them to Harry he joined Albus on the bed and watched as his godfather put them on. ‘Very handsome Uncle Harry’ Teddy exclaimed when he had finished dressing.

‘It’s a blue shirt and jeans Ted’ Harry said ‘hardly witch weekly’s wizard of the year

‘The shirt is Azure blue, thank you dear godfather and witch weekly wouldn’t know the difference between a handsome wizard and a hag’

‘Merlin above’ Harry murmured, grabbing a jacket from the back of a chair and slipping it on over his shirt

‘Heaven help us’ Teddy cringed ‘No wonder you’ve never heard from Witch Weekly going out dressed like that’

‘You dressed me’ Harry protested

‘I didn’t tell you to wear that moth eaten rag’ Teddy shot back, getting off the bed and stalking into his godfathers closet for a second time, returning moments later with a lightweight black jacket. ‘Put this on and then we might just be ready’

‘What would I do without you Ted?’ Harry smirked, slipping the jacket on and giving himself the once-over

‘I shudder to think Uncle Harry’ the teenager sighed ‘not make it into witch weekly that’s for sure’

‘You and witch weekly’ Harry laughed ‘come on you’re Uncle Seamus will be here in a minute’

‘I can look after Albus, Uncle Harry’ Teddy complained ‘I am 13’

‘That might be the case Ted’ Harry answered ‘I need someone to look after your Uncle Seamus, keep him out of mischief’

‘Isn’t that what Uncle Deans for?’ Albus weighed in

‘Yes, but on occasion he needs help’ Harry replied

Seamus walked Harry to the door, the boys were happily watching a TV programme on the sofa. ‘Enjoy yourself today’ he said ‘there’s no need to rush home; the boys are in safe hands. Now have you got your wand?’

‘Yes dad’ Harry rolled his eyes

‘Good remember to use it if things get going’ Seamus winked

‘Why do you need to use your wand Dad?’ Albus called out

‘Never mind’ Harry said ‘be good for your Uncle Seamus and I’ll see you in awhile’

‘Bye Dad, Bye Uncle Harry, don’t forget to bring us cake’ Albus added in

‘Bye’ Harry waved them off and headed to the edge of the wards surrounding his property and apparated away.

Diagon Alley was a hive of activity when Harry came through the wall. He stepped on to the cobblestone street and walked towards the cafe located at the far end.

The Perfect Blend sat nestled between a second hand bookshop and a wizard supply shop. It had been a fairly recent edition to Diagon Alley, opening two years previously, and business had been booming since. Harry was slightly ashamed to admit it wasn’t a place he frequented only having gone in once or twice to grab a quick bite to eat.

The aroma of roasting coffee drifted out into the street as Harry approached and his stomach gave a plaintive growl. He’d been busy that morning with chores and other things and forgotten to grab something to eat. Inside he went over to the counter and waited in line to be served. Harry glanced around at the interior, all done in deep rich browns and creams.

A glass cabinet to his right was filled with a plethora of baked goods; he scanned the shelves picking out cakes he would take home for the boys. If the date turned out to be a complete failure then he could always drown his sorrows in sugar.

‘Can I help you Sir?’ the friendly witch asked

‘Yes I have a reservation in the name of Potter’ Harry told her Seamus had made the booking in Harry’s name a week ago when he’d agreed to this farce.

‘Of course Mr. Potter’ the witch smiled ‘your table is towards the back and to the left’

‘Thank you’ Harry returned the smile and walked towards the back of the cafe, a small table in the corner held a note card with his name written in black ink. Sitting down he pulled a menu towards him and looked over the beverages they had on offer, he was tossing up between coffee and tea, when a waiter appeared at his table and cleared his throat.

‘Mr. Potter?’ he asked

‘Yes’ Harry replied carefully

‘If you would follow me Sir’ the waiter asked cheerfully

‘Where are we going?’ Harry demanded, feeling the hairs standing up on then back of his neck

‘Just through here Sir, no need to worry’ the waiter assured him, walking ahead of Harry. They went up a short flight of stairs Harry hadn’t even noticed were there and along a narrow hallway. At the end was a wooden door, the waiter pushed through it and entered a lavishly decorated room.

‘Why am I here?’ Harry asked

‘The gentleman you are meeting has requested you to take tea with him in here Sir’ the waiter smiled ‘he’ll be along promptly’ he made sure Harry was seated before leaving him in the room and going back through the door.

The room was decorated much the same as the downstairs, chocolate browns and creams. The fabric of the sofas and the chair Harry was seated on, were plush and soft. This was going to be some date he thought idly, resting his hands on the table in front of him. The sound of a door being opened had Harry looking left and right around the room. Behind a long wooden counter another wooden door swung open and a tall slim man came into the room. Seamus had told Harry he was older and very refined. These qualities didn’t bother him; he had always preferred older men as opposed to those his own age.

He must have looked as though he’d seen a ghost, by the smirk on the man’s face when he came into view and Harry got a good look at him. ‘Profes… I mean Sna.. Severus?’ Harry gaped

‘Severus will do fine Harry’

‘What are you doing here? ‘Harry’s mind was going 100 mile a second

‘I believe we had a standing appointment to meet for Coffee?’ Severus replied

‘No, the bloke I am supposed to meet his names Alex, something’ Harry stammered, trying desperately to remember the man’s surname.

‘Alex Panes?’ Severus offered

‘Yeah that’s it’ Harry said, then paused ‘Wait you’re him?’

‘I am’

‘Why the phony name? ‘Harry asked feeling the hairs on his neck rise again

‘I like a little mystery’ Severus said simply ‘are you disappointed?’

‘No, no, just shocked’ Harry murmured ‘When Seamus set this up he only told me you were older and had travelled a lot’

‘Right on both counts’

Harry scrubbed his hands over his face, closing his eyes tightly then opening them again as if caught in the midst of a very surreal dream.

Snape stood there stoic and reserved as ever, so definitely not a dream. He had changed quite a bit since the last time Harry had seen him, which was shortly after the final battle of Hogwarts. He had testified on his and the Malfoys behalf and as such they were exonerated and cleared of all charges.

After that Snape had disappeared into thin air, Harry got on with his life and became a father 3 years later. His face was no longer sallow and pale, it had healthiness to it now, his hair was shiny and had life in it, rather than the limp black tresses of his teaching days. He wasn’t thin anymore, but had filled out nicely, his pants and shirt fitting nicely.

‘Would you like to order?’ Severus asked breaking Harry from his reverie

‘Yes, please’ Harry said picking up the menu ‘Have you been here often?’

‘You could day that’ Severus smiled ‘I own this establishment’

‘Wow, the surprises just keep on coming’ Harry breathed

‘Might I suggest you try number 16?’ Severus posed ‘I think you will rather like it’

Harry scanned the menu until his eyes found number 16, it was a Brazilian blend with a hint of Irish nut crème ‘sounds interesting’ Harry said ‘I’ll give it a go’

Severus waved his wand and then turned back to Harry, who still appeared to be sheer shocked at his presence. The years had been kind to him, regardless of the trials he had endured regarding the Weasley chit.

He had lost all evidence of boyhood in his face; light stubble and a firm chin replaced it. The skinny bony child of Hogwarts was gone and now sat a very attractive young man. ‘That is a rather striking shade of blue you’re wearing’ he remarked

Harry grinned ‘it isn’t just any blue Severus, it’s Azure Blue’

‘I do beg your pardon’ Severus feigned

‘Teddy informed me of such before I left the house’ he countered

‘I was sorry to hear about Andromeda’s passing’ he said sincerely

‘Thanks’ Harry said quietly ‘she wasn’t the same after Ted and Tonks died, she seemed to age 10 years in 6 months, anyway onto more pleasant topics of conversation’

‘Before we do I want to say how sorry I am about your troubles a few years back’ Severus put in

‘Is that what this is about?’ Harry irked ‘a pity date?’

‘Not at all’ Severus said calmly ‘I simply wanted to convey my apologies on what you endured’

‘God I’m sorry’ Harry countered seeing his foolishness ‘making a right balls up of this aren’t I, can tell I don’t get out much’

‘No you aren’t and it’s fine, I understand’

‘I’ve worked so hard to get out of the mess she left me in and put it behind me, I sometimes forget there are genuine people out there’

Severus mercifully changed the subject after that waving away any attempts by Harry to apologise for his abrupt demeanor. He spoke of his travels after his name had been cleared, of the need to leave Britain behind for time and reconnect with the man he had always aspired to be. Harry couldn’t say he blamed him, he himself had often thought of packing up and moving to some far away country, where no one knew his name. His favorite destination had been Brazil, where he had worked in a local village coffee shop, he found he enjoyed it immensely and so when he returned to England 2 years previous, opened the cafe they were now sitting in.

‘Why the change of name?’ Harry interrupted

‘A chance to be viewed in a different light I suppose’ Severus countered ‘with a few subtle changes I became a whole new person one who was tainted by his past and his actions’

Harry looked closely and noticed that there were indeed small things that made him look different, his nose wasn’t the same size it had been years ago, his eyes while still dark and foreboding, had hints of amber flecks around the iris. He sipped his coffee, which was divine while he studied the man across from him.

‘I named my son after you’ he blurted out, unsure of where the statement had risen from ‘well middle name’

‘I am honoured’ Severus said quietly ‘what is his christian name?’

‘Albus’

‘I see’

‘Where did you run into Seamus?’ Harry asked Merlin had his coffee been laced with truth serum or did he have a case of verbal diarrhoea?’

‘At the Phoenix School of Magical Arts’ Severus replied

‘Are you taking a class there?’ Harry inquired

‘I am the founder and owner of the school’

Blimey, it really has been a day of revelations’ Harry mused

‘Indeed’ Severus smirked ‘I am taking a class as it happens, that is how I ran into Mr. Finnegan’

‘And conspired in roping me into coming on a blind date?’ Harry teased

‘Something like that’ Severus said slyly ‘I asked after you and Mr. Finnegan informed me you needed to get out of the house more and live again’

‘You volunteered for the job, inviting me for coffee and cake at your cafe?’

‘That is correct’

‘Interesting’ Harry mused ‘What class are you taking?’

‘That Mr. Potter is something you’ll have to wait and find out’ Severus said lightly

‘Might have to be another date then, more coffee and cake’ Harry said

‘That can be arranged’

The rest of the afternoon passed pleasantly, with easy conversation and good company. Harry found himself opening up to Severus and told him about working at the school with Seamus, teaching art, sketching, painting and the like. He also helped out the dance instructor on occasion. This had Severus roaring with laughter at the mere thought of Harry dancing, reminding the indignant wizard of the debacle that was the 4th year Triwizard Yule Ball.

‘I was 14!’ Harry argued ‘who knows how to dance when they are bloody 14?’

‘Not you obviously’ Severus quipped ‘but I imagine a great many other people would be skilled in doing so’

‘Mean old git’ Harry huffed

‘Dunderhead’ Severus shot back

‘Ha! There’s something I haven’t heard in a 100 years’ Harry gwaffed

‘It seems your mathematical skills match those of your dancing skills’

‘Bite me’

When he left the cafe, having arranged to meet Severus the following week for coffee and cake, Harry felt lighter than he had in years. He walked to the apparition point and came to a stop outside his front gate. Inside the boys descended on him, a barrage of questions coming at him from all directions. Seamus stood back.

‘How was it Dad?’ Albus asked excitedly ‘did you have a good time, who was your date’

‘It was just as you said Al’ Harry said vaguely ‘Coffee and Cake, nothing to get my wand in a knot over’