Severus' eyes widened. The great animal flapped its giant wings once more and soared into the sky. Severus craned his neck, tracking the creature's movements, until he lost sight of it in the clouds. He lay Harry's head down and leapt to his feet, pulling out his sword.
Severus moved away from Harry, not wanting him to get hurt during the fight. Suddenly he heard a screech behind him and turned, just in time, to get knocked over by one of the animal's giant talons. It tried to scratch at him, but he kept rolling the opposite direction to avoid it. He jerked his leg up as the animal lunged, and kicked the animal in the face. It growled at him, before taking off again. Severus got to his feet, one of legs bleeding from where the talons had ripped the skin. Severus snarled. He was going to kill that thing if it was the last thing he ever did.
It came back down and lunged at him again. Severus let it, and when it got close enough, swung his sword, cutting across the hideous creature's face. The beast shrieked and tried to bite his arm off, missing by a matter of inches. Severus swung again, hoping to glance another blow, but the creature caught the blade in its teeth, clenched, and with a great cracking sound the sword shattered. Suddenly it looked Severus, gave him what could be called an evil smile, and then turned and flew towards Harry. Before Severus could even shout 'no', the creature had picked the prince and carried him high into the sky, Harry's body hanging limply between its massive claws.
Severus was at a loss. If he shot down the animal it would drop Harry, but if he didn't shoot the animal it will probably drop Harry anyway. Severus looked around, trying to figure out what to do, and all the while the thing was carrying Harry higher and higher.
Severus' eyes fell on the lake. It would have to do. He ran for it, pulling an arrow from his quiver in the process. He let the arrow go, purposefully aiming it a little too far the right, farther from the lake. The animal swerved in the opposite direction to avoid it, as Severus had planned. He let another arrow fly, again making it go too far right, forcing the creature to fly right over the lake. Finally Severus reached back to get the final arrow that would kill the beast, but his hand came back empty. He had run out of arrows! The only weapon he had left was a small hunting knife, which would be no more than a pinprick to the beast. Severus felt a wave of despair roll over him. He had failed.
The great animal screeched in triumph, but abruptly stopped, its body freezing, and fell from the sky. Severus watched in fascination and horror as Harry and the beast plunged, headlong, for the centre of the lake, where the two alligators waited, jaws open to catch the unexpected feast. Severus ran forward, attracting their attention, and they swam at him hungrily. He swung his knife, slitting the first one's throat, then plunged it into the second's eye, killing them both instantly. He kept running through the water, the current dragging at his legs, slowing him down. He dove forward, not a second too early, and managed to catch Harry's body. A second later, the Great Animal landed with a splash and began to sink. Severus saw a long arrow sticking out of it's back, right before it slipped under the surface. He looked around to see who had shot it, and saw Neville, poor, simple Neville, whom he had never given a second thought to, standing at the edge of the forest looking like he had spent the week in there. His clothes were torn, and he was covered with mud, but his eyes gleamed brightly. Severus remembered that, in his haste to get back from seeing Harry, he had left Neville alone in the forest. Now the young servant had just saved his life.
Severus trudged out of the water, carrying Harry in his arms. He set him down gently on the grassy shore. They were both soaking wet, but Severus couldn't care less. All he could do was stare down at the cold, stiff body of the man he loved.
'Forgive me Harry…..forgive me. I only wanted to break the spell, to prove my love. I love you, please...please don't leave me.' Severus was once again clutching Harry to his chest. His body was shaking, from cold or grief he could not tell.
Harry lay limp in his arms, seemingly dead. It hadn't worked. He was gone.
Severus pressed a kiss to Harry's forehead. He had failed him again. Severus let out a shaky sigh, and was about the get up, a voice below him spoke.
'Severus' Harry rasped.
Severus froze. He could not believe it. Then suddenly he was laughing and crying all at once, holding Harry against him. 'Yes, Harry I'm here.' he assured him. 'You're okay, the curse is broken, Lucius is dead.' He pulled Harry further into his chest, trying to transfer some of his meager body heat to Harry's freezing skin.
'I always knew you would find me.' Harry whispered, giving him a soft smile. Severus leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Harry's lips. They stayed like that for a long time.
Severus glided around the ballroom, Harry in his arms, at peace with the world. The wedding had been held earlier that day, and now they were dancing at the grand ball that Eileen had thrown for the occasion. The entire kingdom had come to witness the marriage, but to Harry and Severus, they were the only ones in the room.
Harry laughed happily as Severus twirled him around. They had been married, and Hermione, Ron, and Ginny had come to the wedding as guests of honour. He was finally where he belonged, in Severus' arms. Harry reached up and pulled his husband down for a kiss, pouring all of his love and affection into this one moment. Severus kissed him back just as fiercely. As Severus' lips glided over his, warm and soft, Harry gave a contented sigh. He was finally home.
Neville was rewarded for his courage, by becoming a nobleman in the two kings' court. Hermione, Ron, and Ginny moved into the castle grounds, and spent their days feasting in the kitchens. Ginny never stopped believing she was a bewitched princess. Although she had finally given up on Harry, she had decided that Neville was the man for her, and could always be found hopping after him. As for Draco, he spent the rest of his days as a kitchen servant, in charge of chasing ferrets away from the larder.
Severus and Harry joined their kingdoms like their parents had wanted, and ruled happily together. Harry was finally able to mourn for his father, but had Severus at his side to help him through it. Harry and Severus loved each other for the rest of their days, and much longer. After all, they did have everlasting love…
The end.
