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MARITAL BLISS

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Synopsis: SEQUEL to "A Reason To Smile Again" Harry and Severus are about to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary. But is a revenge plot, two deaths and the appearance of Matthew's real father going to break up their happy home? SLASH, HPSS, MPREG, OOC.

Warnings Etc: SLASH (HPSS), MPREG, OOC. Please no flames as you have been forewarned. Also this story is going to be more depressing than the previous one.

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Chapter 1: Anniversary Disaster

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To say that Harry Snape was happy was a huge understatement. He was blissfully happy. He finally had the life he had dreamt of as a small child, stuck in the middle of a traumatic childhood with his aunt and uncle in Privet Drive. Even when he thought back to just three years ago, his life wasn't so great then either. Although he had the love of his life, his son Matthew, he was a single parent and hadn't had a date since he was born and had never had a proper relationship.

But now, not only did he have a husband he was still madly in love with after nearly three years together, he had three beautiful children. Six year old Matthew, two year old Joseph and one year old Lily. Harry was relishing his life as a stay at home husband, taking care of the house and the kids while Severus went to work at Hogwarts as a Professor. He really didn't think life could get any better than it was at this precise moment and wouldn't want to change a thing.

Harry was in the kitchen making dinner for the whole family when he heard the front door open and close. He smiled to himself as he heard all three of the kids start screaming at seeing their daddy home. Although Severus had severely doubted his capabilities as a father, Harry couldn't fault him and in some ways he knew Severus was a better father than he was. He processed astonishing amounts of patience whereas Harry wasn't so blessed in that area. He also had the ability to make the kids laugh for no apparent reason. Eventually Severus managed to tear himself away and appeared in the kitchen, carrying baby Lily with him.

"Hi" he greeted Harry, kissing him on the cheek.

"Good day?" Harry asked.

"You know, same as ever. Oh, Tonks went into labour, Remus had to dash off. He was beside himself with happiness; I think he's hoping for a boy so he can name it after Sirius."

"That would be so cute" Harry cooed.

"Yes, quite" Severus replied unenthusiastically.

"Dadda, dadda, dadda" Lily mumbled in Severus' arms, clearly wanting to divert Severus attentions away from Harry and back to herself. He lifted her above his head and she started laughing like a maniac.

"Who's my beautiful little girl?" he asked her.

"What about me?" Harry demanded, turning away from his cooking and folding his arms.

"Daddy is feeling left out" Severus told Lily, bringing her back down into his arms. She laughed again and he kissed her forehead before walking over to Harry. With one hand gently stroked his cheek and leaned down to kiss him sweetly on the lips. "You know you're beautiful, it goes without saying."

Later that evening, once all the kids had been fed, bathed and put to bed, Harry and Severus finally had some "alone" time. They were on the sofa together, Harry was lying on Severus lap whist he was reading a book.

"I thought we could go away for our anniversary" Severus suddenly said. "No kids… just me and you."

"Mmm, sounds good" Harry replied, just as an owl flew in through an open window, deposited an envelope onto Harry's head, who tutted.

He opened the letter and read out loud to Severus:

Harry and Severus,

I am delighted to tell you that Tonks gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

We have named him Sirius James Lupin and he weighed just over 6 lbs.

Remus

"I'm so happy for them" Harry said, putting the letter on the coffee table. "We'll have to go and see them once they're settled in at home."

"Hmm" was all Severus replied with.

"Anyway" Harry said, getting up to straddle his husband's legs and put his arms around his neck. "What exactly are we going to do on our anniversary?"

Severus smiled and threw his book to the side and pulled Harry's face down with his hands, kissing him passionately. They stayed like this for several minutes. No talking, just enjoying the feel each other. This was a common occurrence once the kids were in bed. They couldn't keep their hands off each other. Severus felt his cock hardening and Harry must have done too as he started laughing, as though Severus' cock worked on a timer.

"What's so funny?" he asked, breaking the kiss.

"Nothing, nothing" Harry replied smiling, leaning down and grabbing Severus' cock through his trousers. Severus moaned.

"You. Upstairs. Now" Severus demanded.

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"Thanks for taking the kids and Boo for a few days Molly. Are you sure it's not going to be too much trouble?"

"It's a pleasure Harry, you know it is."

"Well thanks. It will nice for Severus and me to get a few days alone together, although I'll probably be bursting to see the kids by the end of it."

"You two have a lovely time and don't worry about anything here. The kids will be fine."

"Bye kids" Harry said, waving to the three of them, but they were ignoring him and already enthralled by all the toys Molly had laid out.

Harry turned and walked out of the door. It was Friday afternoon and he was meeting Severus back at the house. He apparated and immediately smiled as the lights were on, meaning Severus was already back. He opened the door and found himself being pulled into a hug.

"There you are" Severus whispered into his ear before kissing him.

"I've just dropped the kids off at Molly's."

"Were they ok?"

"Fine, too busy playing with toys to care about me."

"Well, shall we go then?"

"Ok… but where are you taking me?"

"It's a surprise, how many times do I have to tell you that?"

"I know, but I want to know."

"Tough."

Harry and Severus gathered their bags and walked outside of their home, then using side long apparition, Severus transported them to their honeymoon getaway, wanting the location to be a surprise. He had instructed Harry to keep his eyes firmly close, and he kept his promise, as Severus took his bags and his own and dumped them on the floor. He then stood directly behind Harry and put his arms through his and leaned his chin on his shoulder.

"What can you hear?" he asked Harry.

"Birds."

"What can you feel?"

"The air on my face."

"You can open your eyes now."

Harry opened his eyes and smiled widely. They were standing at the edge of a lake, overlooking hills and trees far into the distance. It was a wonderful sight.

"Where are we?" Harry asked.

"The Lake District" Severus replied.

"Wow, it's beautiful."

Severus turned Harry around and he found they were standing outside a cottage which would be their home for the next few days. It was perfect. Secluded, peaceful and stunning scenery. Harry kissed Severus on the lips before running into the cottage.

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"I want it hard and fast" Harry said.

"Well, you asked for it" Severus replied, grinning wickedly.

They had eaten a delicious meal together in the dining room and as soon as Severus had put his knife and fork down, Harry had all but pounced on him. It had been a long while since they were absolutely alone to have sex. They could make as much noise as they wanted and Harry couldn't wait any longer.

Severus led him into the lounge, pushing him down so he was sitting on the sofa, and then straddled him. Placing his hands behind Harry's neck, Severus leaned down and kissed him. It was hungry and passionate. Severus deepened the kiss, entering his tongue into Harry's warn and willing mouth. Harry let out a moan of pleasure.

"This is what you want, is it?" Severus murmured between kisses.

"Oh yeah" Harry replied. "Give it to me. Hard."

"Your wish is my command."

Severus and Harry stood up, quickly taking all their clothes off and both revealing already hard cocks. Severus snatched up a condom from the nearby table and placed it onto his erection before immediately returning to kissing Harry.

"I've got to have you in me. Now" Harry pleaded.

Severus turned Harry around and guided him towards the back of the sofa. Harry griped onto it as Severus muttered a lubrication charm and thrusted all the way inside, thoroughly enjoying the moans and gasps that issued from Harry's mouth as he did so. Harry laid his head back on Snape's left shoulder and demanded that he show him no mercy.

Snape slowly withdrew his cock, so it was almost coming out, teasing Harry who was trying to back up onto it in frustration. He then plunged back in as hard and as fast as he could when Harry was least expecting. Harry was screaming out in pleasure with every single thrust and never wanted the feeling to end. It felt so good. Severus kept up the momentum until a few minutes later when he was completely overpowered by the best orgasm he'd had in a long time, Harry climaxed a few seconds later without any intervention needed.

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The following morning, Harry and Severus were eating breakfast. They kept glancing over at each other and smiling, last night events still playing in their minds. They'd had sex twice and gave each other oral and Harry was feeling fantastic, albeit a little sore. Harry was amazed that after three years they were still having incredible sex which left him feeling like a teenager for several hours. Severus was a fantastic lover, who, like Harry, was open to new ideas and positions in the bedroom. Harry had thought that after Joseph and Lily their sex life would never quite be the same, but they had managed to get firmly back on track.

"What's wrong?" Severus asked as Harry almost threw up his cereal seconds after eating a spoonful.

"Nothing, I just feel a bit… sick."

"Harry, you're not…?"

"What?" Harry asked defensively.

"Pregnant again?"

"Of course not" Harry replied, not looking at Severus, but suddenly finding his feet a source of fascination.

"Harry look at me" Severus demanded. Harry looked into his husbands eyes. "How long have you been feeling like this?"

"Just a few days."

"And you didn't tell me?"

"I was hoping it would pass."

"As soon as we get back, you're off to St Mungos."

They lapsed into silence. Neither of them were actually eating though, they were both just thinking about the possibility of Harry being with child again. Harry felt awful, as though it was somehow all his fault and couldn't help feeling as though he'd let Severus down badly. He'd not said anything to Severus yet, as truth be told, he was terrified of the man's response. After all, when he told him he was pregnant with Joseph, Severus left him. He knew that was well over two years ago now and that Severus had justified reasons to be scared of parenthood, it didn't stop Harry feeling paranoid that history would repeat itself.

"What if I am pregnant again?" he asked quietly.

"We'll cope. We've been using condoms ever since Lily was born, but it's not unheard of for condoms to fail and even in the muggle world they're not a hundred percent full proof."

"I'm sorry" Harry said.

"For what?"

"For getting pregnant again."

"Harry we don't even know if you are yet. And if you are, I'm as much to blame, it takes two to tango remember."

"I just… don't think I could handle another baby right now. I mean, I love the kids to death and wouldn't have our life any other way… but they're so exhausting, and adding a newborn into the mix… does that make me selfish?"

"Of course it doesn't. Come here."

Severus stood up and motioned for Harry to do the same. He pulled him into a tight embrace. He had to admit he felt pretty much the same as his husband. Another baby right now wouldn't be ideal. He wouldn't mind more children, but he was hoping they would leave at least a five year gap between Lily and the next one as three children six years and under was enough for anybody to be getting on with.

The first six months of Lily's life had been extremely demanding for them all. They had two babies under one and barely had time for sleep, let alone anything else. He could count on both hands how many times they had sex in that period. They were finally enjoying an active sex life again and getting a proper nights sleep every night. But if Harry was pregnant, of course they would be thrilled to have another child.

"Severus?" Harry murmured against his chest.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you too Harry."

Harry broke out of the embrace and kissed Severus desperately on the lips. A sound coming from the nearby window broke their kiss and they could see an owl perched on the sill, a letter in its beak.

"Maybe the kids are being too much trouble" Severus said as Harry went over to retrieve the letter.

"Yeah maybe" Harry replied unsurely. Molly was more than capable of looking after the kids. Had she not had seven kids of her own? And did that not include Fred and George, which must have been like taking care of ten kids all at once? Harry took the letter from the owl and saw straight away that it was Ron' handwriting, although it was pretty messy.

"It's from Ron" he told Severus. Harry ripped open the envelope and began to read. "Oh no" he cried, dropping onto a chair.

"What's the matter?" Severus asked.

Harry didn't answer, he couldn't. He just held out the letter in front of him which Severus took, frowning. But his frown faded and his stomach dropped as he read the contents:

Harry,

I'm sorry to break up your holiday with Severus, but you need to come back right away. My dad has been killed and my mum is in a terrible state.

Hermione and I have the kids at our place.

See you soon,

Ron

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"Where's Ron?" Harry asked as soon as he was able to tangle himself out of Hermione's tight embrace.

"He's with his mum" she answered, wiping her eyes which were red and puffy. "He's still in shock, walking around on autopilot. He thinks because he's a man he has to stay strong and focused, but I've heard him crying in the bedroom."

"What happened?" Severus asked.

"Molly found him outside The Burrow. Someone had used the killing curse on him when he got home from work."

"I don't understand" Harry said. "Mr Weasley is one of the nicest people. Why would someone want to kill him?"

"We may never know" Severus replied. "Maybe we were all naïve to think that once the dark lord was gone, all evil would be wiped out."

"How's Molly?" Harry asked Hermione.

"Not good. Ron and the rest of them are with her. I think they need some time alone together as a family."

"And how are you?"

"I'm ok. The kids are keeping me busy."

"Well, we'll get our kids home and you need to have some sleep you look shattered."

"Thanks Harry."

Hermione led the way up the stairs and into one of the bedrooms where Matthew, Joseph and Lily were all having a nap. Harry and Severus gently woke them up and carrying both Joseph and Lily in their arms they made their way back home, in a sombre state.

Later that day Severus walked into the kitchen to find Harry sitting at the table, staring into nothingness. He sat beside him and took one of his hands in his own.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm ok. I can't imagine what the Weasley's are going through though. I feel so helpless, like I want to do something for them."

"You will be able to, but they'll want to be on their own for a bit. When we had Lily and we were told about her heart problem I don't think I could have handles a load of other people being around, I only wanted you."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. But… do you think this means we're all in danger now?"

"I don't know" Severus replied honestly.

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Two days later, Harry returned to his home with Matthew after collecting him from school. He took Matthew's coat, hung it up and then asked him what he wanted for dinner.

"Finger fish" he replied laughing.

"Fish fingers? But you had that last night… and the night before."

"I like finger fish."

"Alright then, but you have to have something different tomorrow ok?"

"Ok. Can I watch cartoon?"

"Yes, but only till dinner is ready."

Matthew ran over to the TV and Harry walked into the kitchen where Severus had Joseph and Lily in their high chairs on either side of him, feeding them their dinner. They had food all over their faces and were laughing at their daddy, who was eating the baby food and saying "yummy."

"Why are you eating that?"

"It makes them eat it more."

"It looks like they've got most of it on their face."

"Don't listen to him" Severus whispered to the kids.

"I head that" Harry retorted.

Joseph held his arms up as Harry kissed him on the head. Picking him up, Harry grabbed a cloth and wiped his face, then put him back down in the high chair. He did the same with Lily.

"You know, I could have done that" Severus sulked.

"Well, you look like you've got your hands full, what with eating that mush."

"Shh, they can understand what you mean by that."

Harry laughed and kissed Severus on the forehead. "You look adorable when you're doing stuff with the kids. Especially when you sing to them in the bath. It's so sweet."

"Well as long as that information does not leave this room."

"I promise" Harry said, crossing his fingers behind his back.

"Oh, we still need to get you checked out at St Mungos" Severus said quietly.

"I'll go tomorrow."

Harry proceeded to make Matthew's and his dinner and they sat together at the kitchen table eat; Severus was going to make his own dinner whilst Harry bathed the kids. Meanwhile, Severus took Joseph and Lily into the lounge to play with their toys. There was a knock at the door and Severus sighed. He wasn't really in the mood for visitors and he hoped to god it wasn't Lupin with his new baby.

Severus opened the door and almost gasped in shock. There standing in the doorway was none other than Draco Malfoy.

"Severus, nice to see you."

"What the hell do you want?"

"I'm here to see my son."

It took Severus a few seconds to work out exactly what Draco had just said. He stared at him in bewilderment, and almost let out a laugh.

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"Who's at the d-" Harry began, as he walked out of the kitchen towards Severus. He immediately stopped when he saw who had come to see them.

"What is he doing here?" he directed at Severus.

"He's talking crazy" Severus replied.

"No I'm not" Draco replied angrily. "I am here to see my son... Isn't there something you want to tell your dear husband?" Draco smirked, looking directly at Harry.

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Coming up in the next chapter: Is Draco causing trouble or is he telling the truth? Also, Harry has a pregnancy test carried out at St Mungos.

Reviews: If you're reading this, please take a few moments to leave me a review. I really do appreciate them and they do help immensely with my motivation. My profile has details of all my story updates.

(This chapter was posted on May 10th)

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