A/N: Notes at the end of the chapter.
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Beta by Kristine Thorne
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Chapter Summary: Harry goes shopping with Severus and Severus gets a wish come true.
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Chapter Ten – Wishes Come True
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Harry woke up first for once and he immediately took the opportunity to snuggle up to his Kin for a while before they had to get up. It was nearly two weeks since they had come back to Hogwarts and they had decided to try taking breakfast in the great hall again. As the new Headmasters they really needed to be integrating in daily castle life more, no matter what happened as a result.
The strangest thing that had happened, or rather the strangest thing that hadn't happened over the past week was that Professor McGonagall hadn't turned up despite all of Hermione's threats. The most disappointing thing, for Harry at least, was that he had so far failed to produce any sign that his new ability was working. Severus had had his moods, his discomfort, he had grumbled and moaned, everything was apparently as it had been for him before. But for Harry nothing, a few times he had thought that it was coming but then nothing had happened and Severus had to remind him that it HAD only been two weeks.
Harry was impatient though; he was desperate to know that he was functioning correctly. Harry's childbearing ability had been magically created in him when he was thin and hungry, on the verge of starvation and tired, he had been exhausted. He couldn't help thinking that there was something wrong and that he would be unable to carry a child after all. He accepted that it might take a while to conceive but he just wanted to know that it was possible. He could have got Severus to find out for him, by sensing over his abdomen, but he knew that Severus would be heartbroken too and he wanted to avoid that for as long as possible. What Harry needed was something to take his mind off things and make him less impatient.
Harry kissed Severus until he began to wake up.
"I think we should go shopping," Harry suggested as soon as he knew that Severus was listening.
"We have an open day to prepare for," Severus reminded Harry.
"Yes, and I am sure that there must be things we need to buy for that and you said I should get new robes."
Severus smiled at his Kin without opening his eyes, "A persuasive argument," He replied.
"So can we? Today?"
"Yes, I suppose it is time that we stuck our heads out into the outer world," Severus reluctantly agreed.
*****
When they reached the great hall and the teacher's tables Severus grabbed hold of the table that had been pushed up against Ron and Hermione's.
"As Headmaster, I am reinstating the arrangement whereby the tables were all in a long row so that we can all keep an eye on the students," Severus announced, "The Potions Master always sat on the far end, so, if you don't mind Hermione, that will be where you and Ron are to sit from now on. Harry and I will be in the middle."
Severus continued to rearrange the tables despite the glares that he received from Hermione, knowing that she had little choice but to comply.
"There," Severus continued brightly once they were all sat again, "Isn't that better? There is even space for Minerva, should she ever turn up."
Harry smiled to himself; he had been encouraging Severus to speak out more, instead of keeping quiet for days and then blowing up in a rage.
"We are going to Diagon Alley today to attend to some supply matters," Severus announced to Hermione, calling down the length of the table as they sat sipping coffee, "Not that I need to inform you of course, I just thought you might need to know that we are not going to be there, should you need our advice on anything."
*****
They left Hermione fuming and exited the castle by the main door. With the portkey already made up and ready to use, they would be in Diagon Alley in a matter of minutes. Harry was feeling very nervous about stepping out into the world but he had Severus with him so he had no hesitation about going through with it. They both placed a hand on the portkey and in a flash they were standing in the room at The Leaky Cauldron that all the teachers used for arriving.
Severus led Harry along the corridor and down the stairs into the main bar; at the sight of them the room fell silent. Harry smiled timidly at the attention, he should have been used to it after all the years he had been 'the boy who lived', but he wasn't. Severus didn't stop and they were soon out on the street.
"I think we should sort the robe situation out first, then I want to acquire some potions supplies, both for classes and for the hospital stocks, we can't keep buying them in ready made phials, it's very expensive and unnecessary."
"I have to get some money first," Harry reminded Severus.
"Of course, but after that we'll get you some new robes."
"Can we go to the place where you get yours?" Harry asked.
"I wouldn't go anywhere else, it's down Knockturn Alley however, let's hope the proprietor wasn't a Death Eater."
"Oh Sev! That's not really the best place to be seen in."
"Better get there quickly before we're noticed," Severus said dragging Harry off in the direction of Gringott's.
When Harry and Severus got to Knockturn Alley they found that things had changed considerably since their last visit. It seemed that once word had got out that the Death Eaters had been defeated some people fled, abandoning their business and others took the opportunity to appropriate them. Severus found the robe shop exactly as he remembered it but it was under new management.
Severus told the proprietor exactly what they wanted and Harry chose his fabric and was then measured. Although clothes could be altered magically it was always best to get them roughly the right size and shape first.
"What about when I start to get bigger?" Harry whispered to Severus whilst the measurements were being entered onto the order parchment.
"We'll come back and order some more to fit, we don't want the whole wizarding world talking about it before you've even managed to conceive."
"Hmm, I suppose," Harry grumbled, thinking irrationally that if he started to dress pregnant, he might be able to get his body to cooperate and make it real.
"It will happen soon enough," Severus tried to reassure Harry without drawing too much attention to themselves.
Next they headed for the Potions supplies shop, it would be wall to wall with books and ingredients, Harry couldn't think of anything more dull, but Severus seemed to be happy enough. They weren't getting hounded which was a good thing. People were staring and some even greeted them but Harry suspected that the Kin Bond was helping them all keep their distance.
Severus had a list of all the ingredients he wanted delivered to Hogwarts, his visit was mainly so that he could browse the books. He handed the list in to the shopkeeper as soon as they entered.
"I won't be long," Severus told Harry.
"You should have sent Hermione to do this."
"I might have to sack her yet," Severus replied.
"I'll just look around," Harry replied allowing Severus to go. He doubted very much that Severus would be quick at all since this was his first visit in a year. Severus might like to pretend that he no longer cared about potions but Harry didn't entirely believe that he could abandon it that easily, it had occupied too much of his life.
As Harry had predicted, Severus was soon lost in browsing and Harry was so bored that he actually started to read the labels on the expensive pre-prepared potions.
"Is there anything in particular you are looking for?" The shopkeeper suddenly asked Harry making him jump.
"No, I am just waiting for my friend," Harry replied.
"Severus? I read the Prophet article about the Kin Bond. I am afraid that Severus usually takes a few hours when he comes in here."
"I thought as much."
"Let me know if you need any help," The shopkeeper offered as he walked back to his desk.
Harry continued to look around; all the potions were in a glass cabinet so that potential purchasers could see exactly what there was but would have to ask for it if they wanted to make a purchase.
Harry's attention was suddenly drawn to some light pink coloured potion; the label said it was to aid infertility.
"That one comes in a few different flavours," The shopkeeper offered, Harry realised that he must have been watching him the whole time.
"I don't need any," Harry instinctively defended, then thought better of it, he had an idea. Harry approached the shopkeeper's desk. "What if it wasn't a matter of infertility, what if someone just wanted to get pregnant quickly?" Harry added quietly.
"Fertility potions come in a variety of strengths though it is a Ministry requirement that they all contain an additive to ensure that they only work on those who want to become pregnant, the potential for misuse would be enormous otherwise."
"It's just that I would like to have a child really soon."
"Why the rush?"
"You know who I am don't you?" Harry asked.
"Of course,"
"Any up and coming evil is going to be looking for me as soon as he thinks he's strong enough, need I say more?"
"So who is the lucky lady?"
"You know I'm not going to answer that," Harry replied with a winning smile, "And if details of our business here leaves this shop neither Severus or myself will be returning." Harry thought it fortunate that the shopkeeper had no idea about the specifics regarding Kin Bonds and didn't know that it couldn't be anybody other than Severus and that Harry wasn't going to be the father.
"Of course," the shopkeeper blustered, "You will need a number of doses, the potion is to be taken at lunchtime in order to reach full effectiveness by evening and it might still take a few days."
"Fine, do both the man and the woman take the same potion?" Harry asked.
"Yes, and at the same time too."
"Right, what does it taste of?"
"The potion itself is tasteless, a variety of tastes can be added."
"Tasteless sounds good."
"Remember the Ministry additive," The shopkeeper warned.
"How much?" Harry demanded.
As it happened Harry managed to complete his transaction a whole half hour before Severus showed any sign of wanting to leave. It was nearly lunchtime.
"I think we should have something to eat," Harry suggested, wanting Severus to consume a drink as soon as possible, "Coffee shop or The Leaky Cauldron?"
"Hmm," Severus replied, showing how distracted he was as he stood awaiting the shopkeeper's attention.
"What have you got there?" Harry asked, noticing the book that Severus had chosen from the many available, "Found one you don't already own?"
"I found a book I could never hope I would need," Severus replied rather cryptically, not letting Harry see the cover.
Harry smiled, "What is it?" He asked, even more intrigued by his Kin's half-hearted attempt at secrecy.
As Harry had thought he would, Severus cracked under very little pressure and allowed him to see the cover of the book. Harry smiled broadly when he saw the title, 'Magick And Potions For Pregnancy And Childcare'.
"Oh Sev!" Harry said warmly, wanting to hug his Kin right there and then. The shopkeeper approached the counter and remembering the potions he had just bought, Harry suddenly wished that he were elsewhere. He certainly wasn't about to look at the shopkeeper at all whilst Severus paid for his book and he thought it a very good thing that he had already sworn him to secrecy.
Harry was glad to step back out onto the street.
"I wasn't too long was I?" Severus asked as he saw Harry looking pleased to be outside.
"All in a good cause," Harry replied, skirting around the obvious, Severus had been absolutely ages but Harry didn't want to say so.
"Strange man, you would think he had never sold a pregnancy book to a man before the way he looked at me," Severus commented as they began to walk, not really heading anywhere in particular as they hadn't decided where to go yet.
"Hmm, very strange," Harry agreed, "So where are we going then?"
"The Leaky Cauldron I suppose, nice big fire," Severus replied.
Harry smiled to himself, he had been wondering how he was going to slip a potion into both their drinks whilst the wizarding world was present and had their eyes on them, The Leaky Cauldron was about as dark as it could get during the daytime. Even with a fire blazing Harry thought that he might just be able to do what he planned.
Once seated in The Leaky Cauldron Severus approached the bar. Harry had chosen them a table as close to the fire as he could find and sat down. Within minutes Severus had returned with a tray holding everything they needed to make two cups of tea and the lunch menu.
"It's almost like being back on the road," Harry commented, "A bar meal and a warm fire, fancy a smoke?"
Severus suddenly looked stern, "You are not smoking, not now," He replied.
"I was only joking," Harry said trying to look as unserious as possible.
They chose their food in silence and Harry was still worried that Severus had thought that he really intended to smoke. He thought for a minute that he might not go through with the potions; there would be no point if they didn't end up making love later.
"Pick yourself something sticky for afters as well," Severus instructed with as much of a smile as he could risk in public without ruining his reputation entirely., seeming to be a bit scary may yet come in useful.
Harry made the decision as Severus stood up to place their order. As his Kin turned his back and headed for the bar, Harry quickly took two potions out of his cloak pocket and pulled the corks out. He then took up the milk jug and poured the contents of the two potions phials into it whilst he held it below the table to hide his actions from the sight of others. A few swirls ensured that the potions were at least adequately mixed with the original white liquid.
When Severus returned Harry poured out the first cups of tea, he ended up wishing that he had done it before Severus came back.
"That milk looks a bit watery," Severus commented as Harry poured from the milk jug.
"Looks all right to me," Harry responded hoping that Severus wasn't too certain in his observation.
Severus picked up his cup as soon as the tea was ready and took a sip. Severus paused briefly as he tasted the liquid, Harry thought he saw a slight frown but he was also feeling rather guilty now that he had gone through with the fertility potion thing without telling Severus, it could just have been the resultant paranoia and fear of being found out. Severus smiled then though and took a sizable sip of his tea; Harry forced himself to relax.
*****
When the two Kin made it back to Hogwarts it was quite late in the afternoon so they went back to their quarters to psych themselves up to face dinner with Hermione and Ron. Harry wanted to change into his new clothes so he was sat on the sofa knitting and dressed in burgundy when there was a knock at their door.
Severus was sat at his desk reading his new book, a stern and studious look on his face, at the sound of the knock he looked up at Harry.
"Who the hell would want to disturb us down here when it's so close to dinner?" Severus grumbled.
Harry put his knitting away in a muggle plastic bag, making sure to hide all traces of baby wool before he got up to answer the door.
When Harry opened the heavy wooden door he found Professor Trelawney standing there, an eager expression on her face.
"Ah Professor Snape, Harry," Professor Trelawney began, "I should have come to you before, there are things I need to say to you before things go much further."
Harry frowned, "Would I be about to die by any chance?" He asked with some bitterness.
Sybil Trelawney laughed nervously, "No, no, not at all Harry, you're very much alive."
"Glad to hear it," Harry said sternly.
"May I come in?"
"I suppose so," Harry replied, standing aside to allow Sybil to enter.
Harry followed Sybil back into the room; she froze still when she saw Severus sat at his desk staring back at her. Harry noticed that Severus raised a questioning eyebrow at him.
"Professor Trelawney wishes to tell me something," Harry repeated for Severus' benefit.
Severus got to his feet, "I think I need to get ready for dinner," he responded already making his retreat. He crossed the room close to Professor Trelawney, "If I leave you alone together, you won't do anything to upset Harry, will you?" Severus added in voice which was pleasant enough but which made Professor Trelawney look even more nervous if that were possible.
"No," Sybil Trelawney replied, swallowing hard and not daring to avert her gaze from Severus.
"Good," Severus said firmly before heading for the bedroom, making sure to close the door behind him.
Both Harry and Professor Trelawney sat down on the sofa, twisting round so that they could face each other.
"Professor?" Harry prompted.
"Please call me Sybil, we are both staff now," Sybil Trelawney responded.
"Sybil, what is it you want to tell me? Please bear in mind that Severus was being very serious."
"First I must apologise," Sybil began.
"Yes?"
"Telling you that you were going to die, it was Albus's idea,"
Harry frowned deeply, "Was it?" He said disbelievingly.
"We all still have free will, no matter what is seen in the tea leaves, we had to."
"Explain," Harry said sternly.
"If we had told you that you would live, you wouldn't have tried, you would have died through complacency. Divination can only tell of likely outcomes when applied to the future, only when talking of past events can it be definite."
"So you're not really a crap witch?" Harry snapped.
Sybil shook her head, really looking apologetic, "I was the person who told of the Prophecy."
"Yes, thank you for that," Harry snapped still.
"It wasn't Severus," Sybil offered.
Harry froze, "What wasn't Severus?"
"The person who killed the Dark Lord, they're all saying it was Severus now, but it wasn't, was it Harry?" Sybil continued, confident that she was scoring a point against Harry's disbelief.
Harry swallowed nervously, "The swords said so," He defended hopelessly.
"It was you," Sybil said gently.
"Will you tell anybody?" Harry asked, admitting defeat.
"No," Sybil replied.
"So, are you going to use your tea leaves on me now? A crystal ball maybe? Tell me something real for once, where I don't seem to be about to die imminently?"
Sybil laughed nervously, "Tea leaves and crystal balls are for beginners, they merely help to focus the thoughts," She replied, "All I need are your hands."
"You won't tell me things I don't want to know?" Harry said warily, he wasn't sure that he wanted to go through with this at all, he was just curious to know how good she really was.
"You can ask the questions Harry," Sybil offered.
Harry reluctantly agreed and held out his hands. Sybil's hands were cold when she took hold of Harry's.
"Begin when you're ready," Sybil offered.
"You really were crap at predicting anything, you could have warned me about a few things," Harry suddenly accused, remembering that it hadn't just been predications about his death that the woman had got wrong.
"If you recall, it wasn't a very good time to be seen to be knowing too much, what would have happened to me if they had found out I was behind the Prophecy?"
Harry decided to leave it for a while; at least till he had finished testing Sybil, there was no way she could guess anything about him anymore.
Harry tried to settle himself down into a calmness he knew Sybil thought was necessary for sensing information. "Will I have children?" He asked to begin with.
"Yes," Sybil responded straight away, she was then silent for a minute and began to frown, "That can't be right, maybe I am no good after all."
Harry was surprised and intrigued, "Aren't you just supposed to say what you see?"
"Yes but…"
"Just say what you see," Harry encouraged.
Sybil looked nervous again, "Harry and Severus Snape will have children, together." She stated.
"How many?"
"More than one, all girls, powerful witches."
"And?"
"Not together, not born all together."
Harry laughed a little in relief, "Good, more than one at once would be a bit much."
Sybil laughed nervously again, "Do you want to know anything else?"
"Imminent danger? Will we have peace for a while?"
Sybil smiled, "No trouble for a while. Though I see an old acquaintance returning."
"Yes? Who?"
"I can't see a name, he has dark hair, quite long."
Harry couldn't think who it could be but he withheld from saying so, "Anything else?"
"He's a wizard, not a muggle, though you have had a muggle friend and you will see him again." Sybil gasped, "He knows, your muggle friend knows."
"Knows what?" Harry asked feeling that Will could not have guessed that he was a wizard.
"He knows that you killed, he saw it."
"He was there?" Harry demanded to know.
Sybil shook her head, "Not at the time, he knew before you killed them. Do you want to know anything else?"
Harry took a deep breath out, "No, that's fine for now, I don't think I want to know anything else," Harry replied, "As long as we will be safe for a while, that's all that matters."
Sybil smiled, "Most of the time it is best to take it as it comes."
"One of the things that nobody knows yet is that Severus and I can have children, you picked up on that," Harry offered.
"So do you believe me now at least?"
"Yes, I believe you," Harry answered, although he was intensely puzzled by the revelation concerning Will.
*****
Since the tables had been put back into their old positions it was possible to take a meal without anybody feeling tempted to start an argument. Severus and Harry took their places at the centre of the table, ate their meals and after making the minimum amount of contact they retreated again down to the dungeons.
If Severus was feeling anything like he was, Harry thought as they descended the staircase, they would be going straight to bed. All Harry could think of was getting down to some serious baby making business. Harry actually hoped it had something to do with the potions because then Severus would definitely be feeling the same.
Once they reached the dungeons Harry tried to pick up the pace but as they were passing the potions classroom a hand grabbed a hold of his arm and he was pulled backwards. Harry stumbled backwards till he found that he was stood in the classroom beside the place where he used to sit when he was a student.
"Sit where you used to sit," Severus commanded firmly.
Harry smiled to himself but did as he was told, joining in with his Kin by facing the front of the classroom as if awaiting a lesson. Harry half expected Severus to swoop to the front but he didn't. Severus came to stand behind Harry, travelling silently. Harry could feel Severus' presence behind him just as he had done in all those intimidating moments in class. This was different in one respect through; the feeling of him standing there no longer provoked fear but something else entirely.
"I need to teach you a little lesson," Severus said in a firm and stern voice, which nevertheless ended up sounding husky and sexy to Harry's ears in his current mood. Harry shivered, wanting Severus to duck down to him and nibble his neck.
"Hmm?" Harry responded with anticipation.
"You think I don't know," Severus began, "What you did."
"What did I do?"
"Don't play games with me, you know what you did."
Harry smiled wanting to join in the game, "Tell me, there are so many things I can't remember, which one?"
"Stand up," Severus commanded, Harry complied.
Severus turned Harry to face him and pushed Harry so that he was sat on the edge of the student desk where the cauldrons were all neatly set out for a class, "Even you should know better than to try and sneak a potion, sneak a potion by me of all people. It might not have a taste but I knew it was there."
Harry swallowed hard, for the first time wondering whether this was in fact a game at all, without realising he had been doing it he noticed that he had been holding his breath.
"You might well look like that," Severus snapped, still stern, he leant over to Harry and began loosening the buttons on the front of his robes.
Harry breathed again and leant forward slightly, Severus responded by kissing him deeply.
"What do you intend to do?" Harry asked when he came up for air.
"Punish you," Severus answered.
"Are you angry with me?" Harry asked.
"No," Severus responded, "Just making a wish come true."
Severus now had Harry's robe off and he leant across the desk and with one sweep of his arm, left and then right, a number of cauldrons fell clattering to the floor.
Severus then removed the rest of Harry's clothes and some of his own.
"Have you sealed the door?" Harry asked, hardly able to speak in anticipation.
"No, no locking of the door, no silencing charm, no spoiling it."
"How long has this been a wish of yours?" Harry asked as Severus nibbled on his neck.
"You don't want to know," Severus growled.
Harry placed his hands on Severus' hips, encouraging him.
"It would serve you right if you conceived on a potion room desk with your legs in the air." Severus commented.
"I don't care, just want to."
"I think you were questioning my abilities," Severus accused, "I will just have to make sure you don't make the same mistake again," Severus growled taking a firm hold of Harry.
"What if someone sees?" Harry whispered as Severus began doing precisely as he had promised.
"I want them to see," Severus responded.
*****
Soon, much too soon the game appeared to be over and Harry sat leaning against Severus' chest breathless, happy and still needing something. Severus held him tight and laid his head on Harry's.
"Can I have a wish too?" Harry asked.
"Maybe. How long have you been wishing?"
"Not as long," Harry replied pulling himself away from Severus, "In the office, now!" He commanded.
Severus looked a bit surprised, "In the office?"
"Yes, it has many memories for me as you can imagine, this will be one more."
Severus did as he was commanded, they didn't stop to pick any of their clothes up on the way. Severus strode across the office to the desk just as Harry was passing through the doorway.
"No!" Harry called out as Severus seemed to be about to clear the desk of anything that might get in the way, "That's Hermione's desk now, we'll never remember to put everything back the way we found it."
"So?" Severus said, unmoved by Harry's apparent concern.
"Besides," Harry continued, "I'm not quite tall enough for it to be practical and you're too tall to lie there without your head hanging off the end."
"Where?"
"The floor, where we all used to stand when you called us in here," Harry suggested impishly.
"My wish was more inventive," Severus complained but nevertheless doing exactly as he was told.
Harry could barely wait till Severus was lying down before he jumped on top and began the process of ravishing his Kin.
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TBC Soon
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Chapter Eleven Summary: Professor McGonagall returns to Hogwarts to sort things out.
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Beta by Kristine Thorne
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Chapter Summary: Harry goes shopping with Severus and Severus gets a wish come true.
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__________________________________________________________________________
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Chapter Ten – Wishes Come True
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Harry woke up first for once and he immediately took the opportunity to snuggle up to his Kin for a while before they had to get up. It was nearly two weeks since they had come back to Hogwarts and they had decided to try taking breakfast in the great hall again. As the new Headmasters they really needed to be integrating in daily castle life more, no matter what happened as a result.
The strangest thing that had happened, or rather the strangest thing that hadn't happened over the past week was that Professor McGonagall hadn't turned up despite all of Hermione's threats. The most disappointing thing, for Harry at least, was that he had so far failed to produce any sign that his new ability was working. Severus had had his moods, his discomfort, he had grumbled and moaned, everything was apparently as it had been for him before. But for Harry nothing, a few times he had thought that it was coming but then nothing had happened and Severus had to remind him that it HAD only been two weeks.
Harry was impatient though; he was desperate to know that he was functioning correctly. Harry's childbearing ability had been magically created in him when he was thin and hungry, on the verge of starvation and tired, he had been exhausted. He couldn't help thinking that there was something wrong and that he would be unable to carry a child after all. He accepted that it might take a while to conceive but he just wanted to know that it was possible. He could have got Severus to find out for him, by sensing over his abdomen, but he knew that Severus would be heartbroken too and he wanted to avoid that for as long as possible. What Harry needed was something to take his mind off things and make him less impatient.
Harry kissed Severus until he began to wake up.
"I think we should go shopping," Harry suggested as soon as he knew that Severus was listening.
"We have an open day to prepare for," Severus reminded Harry.
"Yes, and I am sure that there must be things we need to buy for that and you said I should get new robes."
Severus smiled at his Kin without opening his eyes, "A persuasive argument," He replied.
"So can we? Today?"
"Yes, I suppose it is time that we stuck our heads out into the outer world," Severus reluctantly agreed.
*****
When they reached the great hall and the teacher's tables Severus grabbed hold of the table that had been pushed up against Ron and Hermione's.
"As Headmaster, I am reinstating the arrangement whereby the tables were all in a long row so that we can all keep an eye on the students," Severus announced, "The Potions Master always sat on the far end, so, if you don't mind Hermione, that will be where you and Ron are to sit from now on. Harry and I will be in the middle."
Severus continued to rearrange the tables despite the glares that he received from Hermione, knowing that she had little choice but to comply.
"There," Severus continued brightly once they were all sat again, "Isn't that better? There is even space for Minerva, should she ever turn up."
Harry smiled to himself; he had been encouraging Severus to speak out more, instead of keeping quiet for days and then blowing up in a rage.
"We are going to Diagon Alley today to attend to some supply matters," Severus announced to Hermione, calling down the length of the table as they sat sipping coffee, "Not that I need to inform you of course, I just thought you might need to know that we are not going to be there, should you need our advice on anything."
*****
They left Hermione fuming and exited the castle by the main door. With the portkey already made up and ready to use, they would be in Diagon Alley in a matter of minutes. Harry was feeling very nervous about stepping out into the world but he had Severus with him so he had no hesitation about going through with it. They both placed a hand on the portkey and in a flash they were standing in the room at The Leaky Cauldron that all the teachers used for arriving.
Severus led Harry along the corridor and down the stairs into the main bar; at the sight of them the room fell silent. Harry smiled timidly at the attention, he should have been used to it after all the years he had been 'the boy who lived', but he wasn't. Severus didn't stop and they were soon out on the street.
"I think we should sort the robe situation out first, then I want to acquire some potions supplies, both for classes and for the hospital stocks, we can't keep buying them in ready made phials, it's very expensive and unnecessary."
"I have to get some money first," Harry reminded Severus.
"Of course, but after that we'll get you some new robes."
"Can we go to the place where you get yours?" Harry asked.
"I wouldn't go anywhere else, it's down Knockturn Alley however, let's hope the proprietor wasn't a Death Eater."
"Oh Sev! That's not really the best place to be seen in."
"Better get there quickly before we're noticed," Severus said dragging Harry off in the direction of Gringott's.
When Harry and Severus got to Knockturn Alley they found that things had changed considerably since their last visit. It seemed that once word had got out that the Death Eaters had been defeated some people fled, abandoning their business and others took the opportunity to appropriate them. Severus found the robe shop exactly as he remembered it but it was under new management.
Severus told the proprietor exactly what they wanted and Harry chose his fabric and was then measured. Although clothes could be altered magically it was always best to get them roughly the right size and shape first.
"What about when I start to get bigger?" Harry whispered to Severus whilst the measurements were being entered onto the order parchment.
"We'll come back and order some more to fit, we don't want the whole wizarding world talking about it before you've even managed to conceive."
"Hmm, I suppose," Harry grumbled, thinking irrationally that if he started to dress pregnant, he might be able to get his body to cooperate and make it real.
"It will happen soon enough," Severus tried to reassure Harry without drawing too much attention to themselves.
Next they headed for the Potions supplies shop, it would be wall to wall with books and ingredients, Harry couldn't think of anything more dull, but Severus seemed to be happy enough. They weren't getting hounded which was a good thing. People were staring and some even greeted them but Harry suspected that the Kin Bond was helping them all keep their distance.
Severus had a list of all the ingredients he wanted delivered to Hogwarts, his visit was mainly so that he could browse the books. He handed the list in to the shopkeeper as soon as they entered.
"I won't be long," Severus told Harry.
"You should have sent Hermione to do this."
"I might have to sack her yet," Severus replied.
"I'll just look around," Harry replied allowing Severus to go. He doubted very much that Severus would be quick at all since this was his first visit in a year. Severus might like to pretend that he no longer cared about potions but Harry didn't entirely believe that he could abandon it that easily, it had occupied too much of his life.
As Harry had predicted, Severus was soon lost in browsing and Harry was so bored that he actually started to read the labels on the expensive pre-prepared potions.
"Is there anything in particular you are looking for?" The shopkeeper suddenly asked Harry making him jump.
"No, I am just waiting for my friend," Harry replied.
"Severus? I read the Prophet article about the Kin Bond. I am afraid that Severus usually takes a few hours when he comes in here."
"I thought as much."
"Let me know if you need any help," The shopkeeper offered as he walked back to his desk.
Harry continued to look around; all the potions were in a glass cabinet so that potential purchasers could see exactly what there was but would have to ask for it if they wanted to make a purchase.
Harry's attention was suddenly drawn to some light pink coloured potion; the label said it was to aid infertility.
"That one comes in a few different flavours," The shopkeeper offered, Harry realised that he must have been watching him the whole time.
"I don't need any," Harry instinctively defended, then thought better of it, he had an idea. Harry approached the shopkeeper's desk. "What if it wasn't a matter of infertility, what if someone just wanted to get pregnant quickly?" Harry added quietly.
"Fertility potions come in a variety of strengths though it is a Ministry requirement that they all contain an additive to ensure that they only work on those who want to become pregnant, the potential for misuse would be enormous otherwise."
"It's just that I would like to have a child really soon."
"Why the rush?"
"You know who I am don't you?" Harry asked.
"Of course,"
"Any up and coming evil is going to be looking for me as soon as he thinks he's strong enough, need I say more?"
"So who is the lucky lady?"
"You know I'm not going to answer that," Harry replied with a winning smile, "And if details of our business here leaves this shop neither Severus or myself will be returning." Harry thought it fortunate that the shopkeeper had no idea about the specifics regarding Kin Bonds and didn't know that it couldn't be anybody other than Severus and that Harry wasn't going to be the father.
"Of course," the shopkeeper blustered, "You will need a number of doses, the potion is to be taken at lunchtime in order to reach full effectiveness by evening and it might still take a few days."
"Fine, do both the man and the woman take the same potion?" Harry asked.
"Yes, and at the same time too."
"Right, what does it taste of?"
"The potion itself is tasteless, a variety of tastes can be added."
"Tasteless sounds good."
"Remember the Ministry additive," The shopkeeper warned.
"How much?" Harry demanded.
As it happened Harry managed to complete his transaction a whole half hour before Severus showed any sign of wanting to leave. It was nearly lunchtime.
"I think we should have something to eat," Harry suggested, wanting Severus to consume a drink as soon as possible, "Coffee shop or The Leaky Cauldron?"
"Hmm," Severus replied, showing how distracted he was as he stood awaiting the shopkeeper's attention.
"What have you got there?" Harry asked, noticing the book that Severus had chosen from the many available, "Found one you don't already own?"
"I found a book I could never hope I would need," Severus replied rather cryptically, not letting Harry see the cover.
Harry smiled, "What is it?" He asked, even more intrigued by his Kin's half-hearted attempt at secrecy.
As Harry had thought he would, Severus cracked under very little pressure and allowed him to see the cover of the book. Harry smiled broadly when he saw the title, 'Magick And Potions For Pregnancy And Childcare'.
"Oh Sev!" Harry said warmly, wanting to hug his Kin right there and then. The shopkeeper approached the counter and remembering the potions he had just bought, Harry suddenly wished that he were elsewhere. He certainly wasn't about to look at the shopkeeper at all whilst Severus paid for his book and he thought it a very good thing that he had already sworn him to secrecy.
Harry was glad to step back out onto the street.
"I wasn't too long was I?" Severus asked as he saw Harry looking pleased to be outside.
"All in a good cause," Harry replied, skirting around the obvious, Severus had been absolutely ages but Harry didn't want to say so.
"Strange man, you would think he had never sold a pregnancy book to a man before the way he looked at me," Severus commented as they began to walk, not really heading anywhere in particular as they hadn't decided where to go yet.
"Hmm, very strange," Harry agreed, "So where are we going then?"
"The Leaky Cauldron I suppose, nice big fire," Severus replied.
Harry smiled to himself, he had been wondering how he was going to slip a potion into both their drinks whilst the wizarding world was present and had their eyes on them, The Leaky Cauldron was about as dark as it could get during the daytime. Even with a fire blazing Harry thought that he might just be able to do what he planned.
Once seated in The Leaky Cauldron Severus approached the bar. Harry had chosen them a table as close to the fire as he could find and sat down. Within minutes Severus had returned with a tray holding everything they needed to make two cups of tea and the lunch menu.
"It's almost like being back on the road," Harry commented, "A bar meal and a warm fire, fancy a smoke?"
Severus suddenly looked stern, "You are not smoking, not now," He replied.
"I was only joking," Harry said trying to look as unserious as possible.
They chose their food in silence and Harry was still worried that Severus had thought that he really intended to smoke. He thought for a minute that he might not go through with the potions; there would be no point if they didn't end up making love later.
"Pick yourself something sticky for afters as well," Severus instructed with as much of a smile as he could risk in public without ruining his reputation entirely., seeming to be a bit scary may yet come in useful.
Harry made the decision as Severus stood up to place their order. As his Kin turned his back and headed for the bar, Harry quickly took two potions out of his cloak pocket and pulled the corks out. He then took up the milk jug and poured the contents of the two potions phials into it whilst he held it below the table to hide his actions from the sight of others. A few swirls ensured that the potions were at least adequately mixed with the original white liquid.
When Severus returned Harry poured out the first cups of tea, he ended up wishing that he had done it before Severus came back.
"That milk looks a bit watery," Severus commented as Harry poured from the milk jug.
"Looks all right to me," Harry responded hoping that Severus wasn't too certain in his observation.
Severus picked up his cup as soon as the tea was ready and took a sip. Severus paused briefly as he tasted the liquid, Harry thought he saw a slight frown but he was also feeling rather guilty now that he had gone through with the fertility potion thing without telling Severus, it could just have been the resultant paranoia and fear of being found out. Severus smiled then though and took a sizable sip of his tea; Harry forced himself to relax.
*****
When the two Kin made it back to Hogwarts it was quite late in the afternoon so they went back to their quarters to psych themselves up to face dinner with Hermione and Ron. Harry wanted to change into his new clothes so he was sat on the sofa knitting and dressed in burgundy when there was a knock at their door.
Severus was sat at his desk reading his new book, a stern and studious look on his face, at the sound of the knock he looked up at Harry.
"Who the hell would want to disturb us down here when it's so close to dinner?" Severus grumbled.
Harry put his knitting away in a muggle plastic bag, making sure to hide all traces of baby wool before he got up to answer the door.
When Harry opened the heavy wooden door he found Professor Trelawney standing there, an eager expression on her face.
"Ah Professor Snape, Harry," Professor Trelawney began, "I should have come to you before, there are things I need to say to you before things go much further."
Harry frowned, "Would I be about to die by any chance?" He asked with some bitterness.
Sybil Trelawney laughed nervously, "No, no, not at all Harry, you're very much alive."
"Glad to hear it," Harry said sternly.
"May I come in?"
"I suppose so," Harry replied, standing aside to allow Sybil to enter.
Harry followed Sybil back into the room; she froze still when she saw Severus sat at his desk staring back at her. Harry noticed that Severus raised a questioning eyebrow at him.
"Professor Trelawney wishes to tell me something," Harry repeated for Severus' benefit.
Severus got to his feet, "I think I need to get ready for dinner," he responded already making his retreat. He crossed the room close to Professor Trelawney, "If I leave you alone together, you won't do anything to upset Harry, will you?" Severus added in voice which was pleasant enough but which made Professor Trelawney look even more nervous if that were possible.
"No," Sybil Trelawney replied, swallowing hard and not daring to avert her gaze from Severus.
"Good," Severus said firmly before heading for the bedroom, making sure to close the door behind him.
Both Harry and Professor Trelawney sat down on the sofa, twisting round so that they could face each other.
"Professor?" Harry prompted.
"Please call me Sybil, we are both staff now," Sybil Trelawney responded.
"Sybil, what is it you want to tell me? Please bear in mind that Severus was being very serious."
"First I must apologise," Sybil began.
"Yes?"
"Telling you that you were going to die, it was Albus's idea,"
Harry frowned deeply, "Was it?" He said disbelievingly.
"We all still have free will, no matter what is seen in the tea leaves, we had to."
"Explain," Harry said sternly.
"If we had told you that you would live, you wouldn't have tried, you would have died through complacency. Divination can only tell of likely outcomes when applied to the future, only when talking of past events can it be definite."
"So you're not really a crap witch?" Harry snapped.
Sybil shook her head, really looking apologetic, "I was the person who told of the Prophecy."
"Yes, thank you for that," Harry snapped still.
"It wasn't Severus," Sybil offered.
Harry froze, "What wasn't Severus?"
"The person who killed the Dark Lord, they're all saying it was Severus now, but it wasn't, was it Harry?" Sybil continued, confident that she was scoring a point against Harry's disbelief.
Harry swallowed nervously, "The swords said so," He defended hopelessly.
"It was you," Sybil said gently.
"Will you tell anybody?" Harry asked, admitting defeat.
"No," Sybil replied.
"So, are you going to use your tea leaves on me now? A crystal ball maybe? Tell me something real for once, where I don't seem to be about to die imminently?"
Sybil laughed nervously, "Tea leaves and crystal balls are for beginners, they merely help to focus the thoughts," She replied, "All I need are your hands."
"You won't tell me things I don't want to know?" Harry said warily, he wasn't sure that he wanted to go through with this at all, he was just curious to know how good she really was.
"You can ask the questions Harry," Sybil offered.
Harry reluctantly agreed and held out his hands. Sybil's hands were cold when she took hold of Harry's.
"Begin when you're ready," Sybil offered.
"You really were crap at predicting anything, you could have warned me about a few things," Harry suddenly accused, remembering that it hadn't just been predications about his death that the woman had got wrong.
"If you recall, it wasn't a very good time to be seen to be knowing too much, what would have happened to me if they had found out I was behind the Prophecy?"
Harry decided to leave it for a while; at least till he had finished testing Sybil, there was no way she could guess anything about him anymore.
Harry tried to settle himself down into a calmness he knew Sybil thought was necessary for sensing information. "Will I have children?" He asked to begin with.
"Yes," Sybil responded straight away, she was then silent for a minute and began to frown, "That can't be right, maybe I am no good after all."
Harry was surprised and intrigued, "Aren't you just supposed to say what you see?"
"Yes but…"
"Just say what you see," Harry encouraged.
Sybil looked nervous again, "Harry and Severus Snape will have children, together." She stated.
"How many?"
"More than one, all girls, powerful witches."
"And?"
"Not together, not born all together."
Harry laughed a little in relief, "Good, more than one at once would be a bit much."
Sybil laughed nervously again, "Do you want to know anything else?"
"Imminent danger? Will we have peace for a while?"
Sybil smiled, "No trouble for a while. Though I see an old acquaintance returning."
"Yes? Who?"
"I can't see a name, he has dark hair, quite long."
Harry couldn't think who it could be but he withheld from saying so, "Anything else?"
"He's a wizard, not a muggle, though you have had a muggle friend and you will see him again." Sybil gasped, "He knows, your muggle friend knows."
"Knows what?" Harry asked feeling that Will could not have guessed that he was a wizard.
"He knows that you killed, he saw it."
"He was there?" Harry demanded to know.
Sybil shook her head, "Not at the time, he knew before you killed them. Do you want to know anything else?"
Harry took a deep breath out, "No, that's fine for now, I don't think I want to know anything else," Harry replied, "As long as we will be safe for a while, that's all that matters."
Sybil smiled, "Most of the time it is best to take it as it comes."
"One of the things that nobody knows yet is that Severus and I can have children, you picked up on that," Harry offered.
"So do you believe me now at least?"
"Yes, I believe you," Harry answered, although he was intensely puzzled by the revelation concerning Will.
*****
Since the tables had been put back into their old positions it was possible to take a meal without anybody feeling tempted to start an argument. Severus and Harry took their places at the centre of the table, ate their meals and after making the minimum amount of contact they retreated again down to the dungeons.
If Severus was feeling anything like he was, Harry thought as they descended the staircase, they would be going straight to bed. All Harry could think of was getting down to some serious baby making business. Harry actually hoped it had something to do with the potions because then Severus would definitely be feeling the same.
Once they reached the dungeons Harry tried to pick up the pace but as they were passing the potions classroom a hand grabbed a hold of his arm and he was pulled backwards. Harry stumbled backwards till he found that he was stood in the classroom beside the place where he used to sit when he was a student.
"Sit where you used to sit," Severus commanded firmly.
Harry smiled to himself but did as he was told, joining in with his Kin by facing the front of the classroom as if awaiting a lesson. Harry half expected Severus to swoop to the front but he didn't. Severus came to stand behind Harry, travelling silently. Harry could feel Severus' presence behind him just as he had done in all those intimidating moments in class. This was different in one respect through; the feeling of him standing there no longer provoked fear but something else entirely.
"I need to teach you a little lesson," Severus said in a firm and stern voice, which nevertheless ended up sounding husky and sexy to Harry's ears in his current mood. Harry shivered, wanting Severus to duck down to him and nibble his neck.
"Hmm?" Harry responded with anticipation.
"You think I don't know," Severus began, "What you did."
"What did I do?"
"Don't play games with me, you know what you did."
Harry smiled wanting to join in the game, "Tell me, there are so many things I can't remember, which one?"
"Stand up," Severus commanded, Harry complied.
Severus turned Harry to face him and pushed Harry so that he was sat on the edge of the student desk where the cauldrons were all neatly set out for a class, "Even you should know better than to try and sneak a potion, sneak a potion by me of all people. It might not have a taste but I knew it was there."
Harry swallowed hard, for the first time wondering whether this was in fact a game at all, without realising he had been doing it he noticed that he had been holding his breath.
"You might well look like that," Severus snapped, still stern, he leant over to Harry and began loosening the buttons on the front of his robes.
Harry breathed again and leant forward slightly, Severus responded by kissing him deeply.
"What do you intend to do?" Harry asked when he came up for air.
"Punish you," Severus answered.
"Are you angry with me?" Harry asked.
"No," Severus responded, "Just making a wish come true."
Severus now had Harry's robe off and he leant across the desk and with one sweep of his arm, left and then right, a number of cauldrons fell clattering to the floor.
Severus then removed the rest of Harry's clothes and some of his own.
"Have you sealed the door?" Harry asked, hardly able to speak in anticipation.
"No, no locking of the door, no silencing charm, no spoiling it."
"How long has this been a wish of yours?" Harry asked as Severus nibbled on his neck.
"You don't want to know," Severus growled.
Harry placed his hands on Severus' hips, encouraging him.
"It would serve you right if you conceived on a potion room desk with your legs in the air." Severus commented.
"I don't care, just want to."
"I think you were questioning my abilities," Severus accused, "I will just have to make sure you don't make the same mistake again," Severus growled taking a firm hold of Harry.
"What if someone sees?" Harry whispered as Severus began doing precisely as he had promised.
"I want them to see," Severus responded.
*****
Soon, much too soon the game appeared to be over and Harry sat leaning against Severus' chest breathless, happy and still needing something. Severus held him tight and laid his head on Harry's.
"Can I have a wish too?" Harry asked.
"Maybe. How long have you been wishing?"
"Not as long," Harry replied pulling himself away from Severus, "In the office, now!" He commanded.
Severus looked a bit surprised, "In the office?"
"Yes, it has many memories for me as you can imagine, this will be one more."
Severus did as he was commanded, they didn't stop to pick any of their clothes up on the way. Severus strode across the office to the desk just as Harry was passing through the doorway.
"No!" Harry called out as Severus seemed to be about to clear the desk of anything that might get in the way, "That's Hermione's desk now, we'll never remember to put everything back the way we found it."
"So?" Severus said, unmoved by Harry's apparent concern.
"Besides," Harry continued, "I'm not quite tall enough for it to be practical and you're too tall to lie there without your head hanging off the end."
"Where?"
"The floor, where we all used to stand when you called us in here," Harry suggested impishly.
"My wish was more inventive," Severus complained but nevertheless doing exactly as he was told.
Harry could barely wait till Severus was lying down before he jumped on top and began the process of ravishing his Kin.
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TBC Soon
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Chapter Eleven Summary: Professor McGonagall returns to Hogwarts to sort things out.
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