Okay. So I'm actually not sure if i want to continue with the story. It gets very dark. This is probably the most tame chapter by a wide margin. Let me know what you think though, if there is interest, i'll continue.

Well. It was happening. Somehow, even up to today, The Big Day, Harry hadn't actually believed this was all real.

He was betrothed. To his least favorite person in the world, save perhaps Draco Malfoy. It had been decided that since his time at the Dursley's would come to a close as soon as he turned 17, he'd need some extra magical protection.

He had no idea how dumbledore had managed to talk Severus into it. But he had. That afternoon, at 3Pm, they would be wed. Harry sighed.

Harry, for his part, was determined to make this work. He already know what he'd be willing to compromise on (pretty much everything- about from things concerning his friends and his father). He had a list of things he'd fight for, and the rest he was determined to serenely let go of, in the name of matrimonial harmony. It could work, right? There must be a reason Dumbledore trusted the man so much, and Harry was determined to figure it out.

Severus, on the other hand, saw the upcoming marriage as the start of a strenuous, 24 hour a day, seven days a week babysitting job, to a particularly annoying and demanding teenager. And he was determined to get the boy in line as quickly as possible.

On this they clashed almost immediately. Harry strode into the "Family law department" of the ministry, a rather small area consisting of a lobby and three little cubicles. Severus was there already, along with the witnesses, the Weasleys, chosen as the most agreeable party to both Severus and Harry. It was a stretch finding someone Severus didn't immediately object to.

"Good evening" Harry said, as cheerfully and respectfully as possible under the circumstances.

Severus pursed his lips. "It is remarkable to me that i have to remind you of the most simple things. You may address me as "sir" or "professor""

Harry stopped in his tracks, gaping at the man. "You must be joking."

Severus looked at him as if he had two heads. "How are you surprised by this? It's been this way for almost seven years."

"But we're getting married-"

"That changes nothing, your still my student, I am still your professor. I still demand your respect."

"That's insane! I-

"Uh gentlemen..." Said a short man with a nervous expression on his face. "The register will see you now…"

Harry breathed deeply, trying to calm himself. This had not been on the list of things he'd fight for. So really, he should let it go, right? But god it was infuriating! How could he?!

Sullenly, the four of them followed the squat wizard.

It was over quickly, and relatively painlessly, apart from when they had to kiss, and Harry froze in horror, making Severus hold him by the shoulders and plant an angry, chaste kiss on his lips. Severus fumed. Really? He couldn't even get a decent kiss on his wedding day?

And then, things only got worse.

"Right" Mr weasley said in a falsely bright voice, as they all walked out. "Well...we'll leave you two to er…."

There was an insanely awkward pause.

"Get to know each other" Mrs Weasley supplied. No one could bare to look the other in the eye.

Harry wasn't sure, but he could have sworn he'd heard Mr weasley mutter "Good luck".

Harry and Severus took the floo to Severu's cottage, even giving Harry the address seemed to pain him. But he did it, dutifully, as he did most things. When they got there, Harry was shocked.

It was a wreck. The couch was piled high with books, the stacks spilling to the floor. The mantle piece above the low fireplace was so full of potion bottles Harry was afraid to go near it, lest they all fall off. But then, on closer inspection they all seemed to be held firmly in place by cobwebs anyway. There was a plate of food on the floor that looked to be at least a week old, if not more. He shuddered to think of what their bedroom looked like.

It wasn't that he didn't like chaos- spending so much time with the weasleys, he had to get used to it- but he was used to a certain...hygiene level, that it seemed this place lacked. He struggled to think of anything to say.

"Let me give you a tour" Severus said stiffly. There was a kitchen, a bathroom, a study, and finally, up a spiral staircase, there was a long, but low ceilinged room. The bedroom.

Harry sighed and sat down on the bed, suddenly finding his hand fascinating. He found he couldn't look at his new husband. "Can...can we talk about this?" He asked.

"I have no idea what there is to talk about." Severus replied tartly.

"I...have some things i want to say, i guess." Harry said, clearing his throat. "I...You should know that more than anything else, i've always wanted a family. A real family. I went through a lot at the dursleys and i was able to tell myself that it was all okay. I could shrug it off, because...because one day id have a family of my own and everything would be better. That's what i told myself. Its been...just about all ive ever really wanted. So I'm willing to do anything to make this work. And i know...i mean I know it will never be perfect. But I'm optimistic it will be cordial."

Harry bit his lip, not daring to look at the man. But Severus didn't even care.

"Your bedtime is 10:30. And you should address me as Sir." He didn't even wait to hear Harry's response, he swept out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Severus's number one ambition was to teach Harry discipline. He didn't care that they were married, Didn't care that Harry was (just) an adult in his own right. He was certain the boy needed boundaries and control, and that's what he was going to get.

At 10:20 exactly he approached Harry, who was unpacking his books into a spare shelf downstairs. "Your bedtime is in ten minutes. In that time, i expect you to bed in bed, clean, and ready to consummate our relationship."

Again, he didn't wait for Harry's response.

10:30 came, and Severus was in bed, clad only in a large bathrobe. To his astonishment, Harry was actually there on time. Harry got into bed too, clad in white pajamas.

"So...shall we do this?" Harry started lamley.

"Must I remind you again potter?!" Severus hissed, already enraged. "You shall address me as Sir"

"Even...now?"

"Yes Potter." Severus snapped, eyes flashing dangerously. They were on the edge of a serious fight and Harry couldn't handle it. Not...not during their first time together. Not when he was expected to… tears sprung to his eyes. He WASN'T going to let this night be ruined.

"Im sorry sir." He said softly. And Severus was instantly aroused. He approached Harry gently, cupping his face and bringing him in for a soft, delicate kiss. Harry melted into him, it was clear how badly he wanted this to go well.

Severus snaked his hand down Harry's chest, palming his semi erect groin under his clothing. It didn't take long to harden. Harry fumbled with the belt on Severus's robe, finally able to open it after several moments frantic struggling. Severus smirked into their kiss.

He removed Harry's shirt gently, rolling on top of him, and biting the hollow of his neck. Harry moaned in pleasure, spreading his legs unconsciously.

"Do you like that?" Severus whispered into his ear. Really, he just wanted to taunt Harry, to make him admit that Severus was pleasing him. He didn't expect…

"Yes sir." Harry immediately, no hesitation.

Severus couldn't help it, he moaned. He hadn't been expecting such obedience, so quickly. He grabbed Harry's hips and yanked his pants down, exposing his impressive cock. Even Severus had to admit, he had a beautiful body.

"Turn over" He commanded. Harry did so. He didn't exactly like being ordered about like this, but...well he did like everything else, and he was too afraid of ruining everything to speak up. He didn't want to start a fight. Not now.

Harry lay on his front, Severus picked his hips up, his face left behind in the pillows, discarded as unimportant. God, he had a nice ass. With a quick wave of his wand, he lubed his fingers. And then he inserted them gently into Harry. And then another, and another, until he was four deep. He could tell he was going a little bit too fast for Harry's his shoulders twitched tellingly. But this was a good thing, it was teaching him who was in control.

And then Harry felt Severus's member at his entrance, he didn't feel fully ready, but still he said nothing. Honestly, he didn't think he'd ever feel fully ready. Severus pushed into him, Bracing himself on Harry's hips. He took it slowly, he didn't want t o hurt Harry. He watched in lustful fascination as he disappeared into Harry, whose hole struggled to accept his girth.

And then he started to rock, gently back and forth. Harry let out a long moan. He was loving it, as soon as he got used to such a new and strange sensation, he began to feel the pleasure. Boy was it good, Severus seemed to know exactly what to do. At one point he even reached around and stroked Harry.

"Yes" Harry breathed, and then, just to be on the safe side, he added"Yes, sir."

Fuck yes. That's what severus wanted, unquestioning difference. But he could push it further, he knew. He wanted Harry to cuim in his own face. He worked harder at Harrys dick, pumping him rhythmically and using just a small amount of magic. At the perfect moment, Severus angle Harrys dick up and he came all over himself. He let out the cutest little sound of shock and horror, and that was it for Severus, he came instantly.

Harry rolled over, and vanished his cum, trying to hide what had happened.

Severus was in shock. Firstly, because that was amazing, far better than he'd ever expected. And secondly Harry had been so...malleable. Severus realized that he hadn't taken Harry's comment about wanting, needing, a family seriously enough. When he said he'd do anything, he clearly meant it. Suddenly, he realized that he was going to need a reward for Harry. He had done everything Severus asked without complaint.

On a whim, Severus reached out to Harry, drawing him into a tight embrace. From the expression on Harry's face, it was the right call. He beamed, he hadn't been expecting it to go so well either! And to be cuddling Severus...that was more than he'd ever expected. That was a dream he'd had, that he rejected and cast away, dismissing it as too unlikely to dwell on.

But now it was happening! To Harry, it was a sign that Severus was willing to compromise, even if he didnt express it well. If this cost of this- amazing sex, and peaceful, almost loving snuggling afterwards- was the use of one tiny word, he didn't mind. He ran his hand down Severus's back, taking in the smooth expanse of soft flesh, down to the surprisingly muscular ass and thighs. He liked it.

"That was surprisingly enjoyable." Severus admitted.

Harry nodded, his face buried deep in Severus's neck, smiling like a schoolgirl.

To Harry's utter astonishment, the cuddling extended into the next night as well. The sex didn't, but that he didn't mind. He wanted to hold and be held, to feel loved and valued. He seriously believed they could get there.

For Severus, it was entirely practical. He had to make Harry want to obey, after all. They weren't at school,and normal punishments, such as detention and point docking, were not available to him. He had to have something to motivate him. Besides, he had a feeling it made him sleep better.

The next morning was warm and clear, and Harry was just biting into a slice of toast when when Severus came down, looking for breakfast himself.

Harry smiled. It was actually really nice to live with someone. "I'm going out with Ron and Hermione...sir" He added as an afterthought. He still thought it was odd, but he understood that Severus was particularly sensitive when it came to matter of respect.

"Have you finished your homework?" Severus asked, incredulously.

"No...its only like, half way through the summer-"

"Then you probably shouldn't be going out then, should you?

This was on his list, something he already knew he was going to fight for. And so he felt no qualms in saying "I'm not asking you, im informing you. See you tonight."

This time, Harry left without seeing Severus' reaction. And he had an amazing day with his friends.

But that night, he seriously regretted it. He was both "late" (Severus was still insisting on this maddening 10:30 bedtime) and unapologetic. He climbed quietly into bed next to Severus, reaching out a cold hand to get closer. But was roughly pushed away.

"Oh don't be like that…" Harry started.

"Potter. I don't know how you expect to be intimate with me when you clearly don't respect me."

"It's not that…"

"It is! Potter, you've made no attempt to-"

"I have!"

But Severus simply turned away. Harry bit his lip, unsure. He wasn't going to apologize for his friends. But… he didn't want to ruin this either. He tried to find a middle ground.

"Look… i'm sorry if you interpreted what i said to be rude." Even he had to admit, it was a little

"I did not "interpret" anything. It was. And frankly, Potter, if your not going to even attempt to be civil to me…" He let it hang in the air before ending delicately, "then I'm not sure what you expect from me."

"No...I mean. Sir. Please, I was just...a little defensive about my friends." Harry said , now utterly spooked.

"I understand that Potter, but you instantly resorted to rudeness and hostility and that's just not acceptable. I Thought you were serious about trying to make this relationship work…" Severus was glad he was facing away from Harry, he couldn't hide the smirk.

"I am!" Harry promised,his chest was feeling weirdly tight. Had he seriously ruined their relationship already? Surely that couldn't be. "And im really, really sorry if i didn't come across that way."

"Please give me another chance...sir?" He said nothing, letting Harry stew in his anxiety. It worked. "I mean...is there anything i can do to make it up to you?" Harry almost pleaded. He wasn't going to give up on this.

"That might be a good idea. Prove that your serious…"

"Yes! Let me?"

Severus mind was reeling. What to ask Harry to do? So many possibilities…

Finally, he said "Why don't you clean the the living room? Without magic. To prove that you mean it." He longed to see Harry bent over, scrubbing away at the floor, Knees bruised and knuckles scraped raw from work. Besides, it would teach him some manners.

"Okay!" Harry said brightly. To him, this was a totally normal request. He'd cleaned for the Dursleys for years, he didn't mind the labour. Severus was slightly disappointed.

And Harry did it. Severus watched his body move, ass swaying slightly as he scrubbed the floor, hips rocking as he moved books and boxes. As it was the summer, Harry even took his shirt off. And all was well again.

Untill…

"So...uh." Harry started, one early afternoon. Severus was in the kitchen again, fetching a glass of water between brewing batches of potions.

"My friends have invited me out again…" He started, awkwardly. "Id like to go….but i don't want to cause an issue."

Severus bit back a smile. He was pleased at how quickly the boy was learning. Asking his permission already. He liked it. But he knew he could push it further. He took a step towards Harry.

"What a shame. I was hoping we could spend today together ourselves."

Harry beamed. "Really?" He said, walking toward Severus too.

"Mmmm." Severus said, noncommittally. He reached out a hand towards Harry, taking him gently by the hips. Harry was so enamoured, he could barely breathe. But he could move. A burning desire forced him onwards, he ran his hands up Severus's chest. He leaned up and kissed Severus's deeply, quickly entwining their tongues. They were going to have sex again! Harry anst sure if...maybe the one required time was going to be it...but no. Severus pressed his erection into harry's soft side and Harry groaned in desire.

"Maybe you can make it up to me?" Severus said, pulling away slightly.

Harry wasn't too sure what this meant, but a gentle pressure on his shoulders told him. Harry got down on his knees, with a slightly shaking hand, he undid Severus's belt, his button and fly. He pulled down his jeans, letting his cock fall out of his underwear. Harry opened his mouth, and slowly lowered. Severus couldn't help it, he gasped in pleasure. He wanted to wait, make Harry really work for it. But he couldn't. Harry licked at him egly, sucking him deep and massaging his balls. Severus placed one hand on the top of his head, grabbing at his hair.

He wanted so badly to throat fuck him, to hold his head still and slam his dick so hard down his throat it bruised his esophagus. But he didn't. It wouldn't be good training. He'd been a good boy and didn't deserve to be punished. Not yet, Anyway, Severus was quite confident that would come later.

Harry looked up at his with wide eyes, his mouth bulging with his cock, seeking reassurance, it was the first time he'd ever done this. Severus came, exploding in Harry's mouth.

He stepped back, panting. Harry was wondering, hopefully, how they'd do their traditional post sex cuddle, but Severus backed away. Harry's reward was to see his friends, not to receive physical intimacy from him. It wouldn't do to over indulge the boy, he had to earn these things.

And so "Have fun with your friends." Severus said, leaving Harry on the floor.