A/N: Wow, I feel so accomplished after writing this chapter!
I really hope you guys like it…
I must say thank you to everyone after all the support from the last chapter…
It was truly wonderful reading your feedback, predictions and suggestions and feel free to continue to send me all of those and also any questions that you have, I will be happy to answer!
I really wanna know your thoughts and feelings on this chapter- the turning point is here!
So review, send your love through and most importantly enjoy!
xoxo
Harry and Severus' first fight or as Harry dubbed it, 'Severus' absolutely sappy and sentimental declaration of himself as a family man' happened the evening after receiving the letter from the minister.
Harry had spent a good few hours at Severus' quarters after dinner and then checking his watch, decided it was time to leave.
"I should really get going now if I want any chance at being up in time for classes tomorrow," he ignored Severus' questioning look as he asked, "So do you want Cedric to stay up here with you tonight?"
Severus stood up and looked intently at Harry, "And where may I ask are you off to Potter?"
Confused by the use of his last name, Harry answered shortly, "My quarters of course."
Severus seemed to stare at Harry forever before he said, "Very well. Leave."
The older wizard turned around in a flourish of robes before striding into his bedroom and slamming the door.
What the- thought Harry as he approached Severus' closed door cautiously and almost as if he believed the man would emerge in a rush just to hex him for whatever offence he had just committed.
Before he could even call out for Severus, said man did in fact emerge from his bedroom in a rush however without his wand in hand or a curse on the tip of his tongue as Harry expected.
"What I don't understand Potter," began Severus as if he never even left the room in the first place, "is how you actually came upon the belief that I'd want you to leave here anyway."
After a few moment of simply staring at the utterly confused man, Harry realised that the man was expecting an answer.
"Oh well I can't actually continue to impose on you and sponge off your hospitality now can I?"
"Don't answer my question with a question Potter; and you most definitely are not sponging off on anything. The mere idea of you thinking that having you and my son here is a chore for me," he scoffed, "utterly ridiculous," he mumbled under his breath.
Harry couldn't hold back a chuckle even though he knew that Severus was absolutely serious at the moment, "Aww Sevvy, if you wanted me to move in, you could have just asked me like a normal person would."
Severus narrowed his eyes at Harry warningly when Harry absolutely mutilated his name but upon hearing the last part, he decided to defend himself adamantly.
In his best lecturing voice, Severus started his speech, "I was not asking you to move in Potter; I was merely stating that in order to give Cedric the family we promised, it might not be such a good idea to behave as if we are a divorced couple with shared custody of him by passing him between our quarters. It might however be more feasible for you to remain here with him, and by default me-"
Harry interrupted, "God, you make everything so complicated, yes, I'll move in here with you Severus!"
"Do not interrupt- what, you will?"
"Yes," stated Harry simply.
Severus seemed to think for a moment before smirked and asked, "So where do you wish to sleep Harry," Harrys' name was almost purred out by the older man, "I am sure that Hogwarts will assist me in adding another bedroom to my quarters just for you."
Harry however caught on as soon as he spotted Severus' smirk; he walked up to the other wizard, wrapped his arms around his neck and whispered into Severus' ears, "Or we could just save ourselves all the trouble and time and simply make do with what we already have."
Severus ran his hands down Harrys' back teasingly before hooking his thumbs in Harrys' belt loops, laying his palm flat on the curve of Harrys' arse.
He whispered back to Harry, just as seductively, "Surely we can do just that… and right now we have a bed occupied by our five year old son so I suggest we go get some rest."
When Severus gave Harry a light kiss of his forehead and separated from him, Harry could see that the man wore and evil smile.
"You just know how to kill the mood, don't you Severus!" Harry huffed at the man before he stalked to the bedroom after him.
Xxx
Days passed and each day a new item of Harrys' would appear in Severus' quarters until at the end of the week when Severus' quarters looked utterly homey and well lived in after Harry and Cedric had finished moving in.
Harry, Cedric and Severus still slept in Severus' bedroom and Severus knew that sooner or later he was going to have to add a second bedroom to his quarters to accommodate the little boy however he was a little apprehensive on how Harry would feel about that.
Sure, Harry had on many an occasion insinuated that he wouldn't mind if it was just him and Severus sleeping side-by-side but Severus still didn't want to push it.
Xxx
There hadn't been any more correspondence from Kingsley regarding his progress or lack thereof with Cho and while Harry and Severus had to keep mum with regards to the rest of the wizarding world, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep it from the staff at Hogwarts. Thankfully the students were as oblivious as ever and paid no mind to the comings and goings of their headmaster and their favourite DADA professor.
It was after a long and thorough discussion with Severus that Harry owled the Minister of Magic to ask permission to let the other teacher know what was going on.
It took an entire day for a reply to arrive but when it did, Harry who was sitting on the couch in Severus'- no his and Severus' quarters, groaned in disbelief.
"Don't tell me that Kingsley has refused us," questioned Severus upon hearing Harry make a noise of displeasure.
"He gave us permission all right but there's something else," Harry sighed, "He believes that he's getting absolutely no where with Cho. She was furious when she found out about the ritual and now she just plainly refuses to hear reason."
Severus walked over to where Harry sat, sat down beside the younger man and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, "Once the initial shock wares off, I am sure that Cho will take the time to understand."
Harry looked at Severus with disbelief showing clearly on his face, "I never thought that the first time I would hear you being optimistic, it would be towards Cho of all people! And besides Severus, how long does it take for the 'initial shock' to ware off? Kingsley told her the very day that he made us aware of his plans and it's been a week already."
Severus snorted at Harrys' comment about his optimism but decided not to comment on it, "These things take time Harry and in all honesty I am quite surprised that she hasn't already tried to forcefully enter the castle demanding your blood."
Harry glared at the headmaster, "Yeah well I'm pretty sure that Kingsley has something on her preventing that."
Severus tightened his hold on Harry before he kissed Harrys' temple, "That aside for the moment, we should probably focus on what we have been given permission to do."
Harry leaned into Severus for a moment before he let out a shaky breath and stood up gesturing for Severus to do the same.
Xxx
Severus wasn't a fool and he knew that Harry expected the worst anyway, so when they were bombarded with questions and accusations in the staff room that afternoon, it wasn't really a shock.
But what they hadn't expected was Minerva to silence the lot with a single long winded speech of how Severus' bravery and capacity to love unconditionally combined with Harrys' direction and good nature is the perfect combination to ensure that Cedric grows into a fine young man.
In the end, both Severus and Harry were left a little red in the face due to Minerva's gushing however they were eternally grateful for her support and that they were now given the chance to explain everything without unnecessary interruptions.
They came to realise that this could be seen as a trial run before having to tell the rest of the world and the initial resistance from the staff reminded them that it was going to get far worse but after explanation upon explanation, it paid off to have the staff on their side; they were after all, one big family.
Xxx
Harry reported back to Kingsley on the success of getting the staff to understand and was met with an answering letter that alerted him that things were still the same regarding Cho.
It was a constant tug-of-war of emotions recently and it was starting to take its toll on Harry. He became exhausted faster and his concentration and attention began to decrease; despite knowing that he and Severus as well as everyone that knew the truth was fighting fiercely by his side, he still slipped into bed that night and lay down with the heaviest of hearts.
Xxx
There was something different this morning; Harry felt warmer and more secure. But there was also a heavy arm draped across his waist and a firm body pressed up behind him.
Severus, remembered Harry; despite sleeping in the same bed, they had never ever woken up in this position which could mostly be attributed to the fact that Cedric slept between them and also since Harry was the first one awake in the mornings so that he could get Cedric ready for day-care before attending to himself.
So if Severus was plastered to Harrys' back that meant that Cedric wasn't in bed anymore. Harry tried to struggle out of Severus' embrace in an effort to find his son but he found that the more he struggled, the tighter Severus' grip became; in that moment, he swore Severus reminded him of the Devils Snare from his first year.
Harry gave up and instead spoke softly, "Severus, Cedric isn't in bed and we're all going to be late if I don't get out of bed now," he cast a quick tempus and exclaimed louder than he meant to, "OH, Cedric was supposed to have left 10 minutes ago and we've already missed half of breakfast."
"Severus!" he shouted in exasperation when the older man chose not to answer him and instead nuzzle his nose further into the back of Harrys' neck.
Severus groaned and loosed his grip on Harry slightly, "You're much more pliant when you're asleep, stop shouting. Cedric has been taken care of and in fact he left 15 minutes ago," he placed his right leg between Harrys' and spoke, "now let me sleep."
Harry blushed bright red when he realised just how close he and Severus really were but that thought fled his mind when his irritation returned, "And you didn't think to wake me?"
"For once you seemed to be relaxed enough to sleep for longer than usual and I didn't have the heart to wake you," came the sleepy reply.
Harry had to smile at the thoughtfulness of the gesture even if it was going to make him late.
He turned in Severus' arms and the mans' eyes shot open as Harry raised his hand and gently ran it down the side of Severus' face, "Thank you," he whispered.
Severus only smiled and reached forward to capture Harrys' lips in a sweet kiss which grew heated instantaneously.
The older wizard took that opportunity to roll over and pin Harry to the bed and he devoured the Gryffindors' mouth and then moved onto his neck where he nipped and sucked and kissed Harry who could do nothing more than writhe under the firm body.
When Harry began to get hard, he realised that Severus had already been hard for sometime now and in his state of utter pleasure hadn't taken much notice to the way Severus was grinding his hips into Harrys'.
Harry didn't want their first time to be rushed, if that was even what Severus wanted to do in the future but judging from the groans and gasps from the older man, he wasn't too worried.
He knew that Severus would probably hate him right now but he managed to flip them over while kissing Severus allowing him the space to get off Severus and out of bed away from the temptation of the moment.
Severus looked at Harry in panic, worry set in when he thought that perhaps he went too far this time but he was quickly reassured when what could only be described as a seductive smile took over Harrys' face.
Severus pulled Harrys' pillow from beside him and pressed it into his face before holding it close to his chest and speaking, "You shouldn't get a man all hot and bothered if you have no intention of taking care of him Mr Potter."
Harry just laughed and pointed to the bathroom door, "Showers right there Headmaster Snape."
Severus couldn't even be angry at Harry for leaving him hanging; there was something in Harrys' expression that held promise and Severus padded off to the bathroom with that thought in mind.
Xxx
Mr Potter
Since we have been regularly communicating about the progress of my discussions with Cho Wood nee Chang, I thought that it would only be proper for me to let you know that we seem to have finally reached an agreement with her.
I am well aware that to fulfil our end of the agreement, the proper protocol would be to speak with Headmaster Severus Snape however we are also aware of the fact that the headmaster does not forgive easily so we have endeavoured to seek your assistance with hopes that you will realise the importance of this agreement and therefore lend a hand in helping the headmaster understand as well.
In an effort to fully understand and finally get closure, Mrs Wood has requested that we allow her time to speak with you in private.
We understand that you may be wary of this and so we take it upon ourselves to ensure you that Mrs Wood will cause you and your family no harm whatsoever.
We also believe that the best place for this meeting to be carried out will be at Hogwarts and that is where we will need Headmaster Snapes' approval.
This cannot be easy Mr Potter and we understand the circumstances however if you want any chance at living a normal life and giving your son a normal life away from his mothers influence, I ask that you seriously consider this.
Please send through a reply before the end of day tomorrow.
Minister of Magic
Kingsley Shaklebolt
Xxx
"Severus," said Harry as he walked into the mans' office.
Severus looked up from his work and smiled at Harry, "Yes Harry?"
Harry knew that Severus was only being polite but he couldn't help the colour that rose on his cheeks when he looked at the man and remembered their morning.
He cleared his throat, "Uhm actually, if you're busy I'll-"
Severus stood, "Tell me Harry."
Harry took a deep breath and handed Severus the letter.
He watched as Severus read and noticed the many facial expressions and finally the frown.
"Impossible, not happening," declared Severus as he handed the note back to Harry.
"But-"
"But what Harry? You should be the last person needing to question me on why I am not comfortable about opening up my school to this woman!"
"Severus pl-"
"And you want me to trust her with you… all alone. Merlin, who knows what this woman is even capable of. Kingsley must be mad to think I'd consider it even more to think I'll allow it."
Harry had enough, "SEVERUS!"
Severus seemed to be in a daze with his fury and so when he heard Harry shout out his name, his head snapped up and he looked like he was seeing the younger man for the first time.
"Listen to me Severus, please! I know how you feel because I feel the same. Don't you ever think that any of the pain she has caused me has lessened simply because I'm considering this, it hasn't Severus… but I want to see my son happy, I want to see you happy and I just want for us to be happy as a family; do you think that will happen if we don't settle things with Cho?
"Severus, you mean the world to me and to Cedric and I know that we mean just as much to you but I don't think that I need protection now; I need support Severus, your support because it finally seems like once and for all we're going to get our happy ending and I want that, don't you?"
Severus walked over to Harry and settled his right palm on Harrys' cheek, "I want that."
"Then do this for me," Harry looked intently into Severus' eyes and covered Severus' hand on his cheek with his own before turning his head so that his lips touched the other mans' palm, "Please," he whispered against the soft skin.
Severus felt a soft kiss being placed on his palm and uttered a soft "Yes" which wouldn't have been heard if Harry hadn't been listening so attentively.
Harry smiled and kissed Severus on the cheek, "Thank you, I'll go tell Kingsley."
Severus sighed, he would do almost anything for Harry and Cedric but he knew that both father and son have him wrapped so tightly around their little fingers that the 'almost' is non existent and goes straight to anything at all.
"Harry, use the floo; it is faster and the faster that woman arrives and leaves, the quicker will I have peace and quiet bestowed upon myself!"
Harry snorted at Severus' comment but otherwise went straight to the fireplace to call Kingsley.
Xxx
Severus had only heard Harrys' side of the conversation which was why when Harry informed him that Cho and her husband Oliver would be arriving in a few minutes, he looked confused as ever.
"I thought you said the sooner they arrive the sooner you can have peace," teased Harry.
Severus schooled his features, "Oh believe me, I am happy but I just didn't expect them right at this moment. Which floo will they be arriving through?"
"The one in my quarters; they can sleep there for their stay as well… I doubt that I'd need the place anyway, right Severus?" asked Harry with a leer.
Severus just growled low in his throat and tried to make a grab for Harry around his waist but the younger wizard moved away just in time and spoke between his laughs, "None of that Sir! I should have been gone about 10 minutes ago," he said in a pseudo official tone as he rushed out of the office and left a grinning but quite worried Severus behind.
Xxx
"Cho, Oliver," greeted Harry as the couple stepped out of the fireplace.
"Harry," greeted Cho while Oliver simply inclined his head.
Harry swallowed visibly; this was going to be awkward and he had no idea where to begin so he settled for showing Cho and Oliver where they would be staying before tackling the problem head on.
"So Cho, I uhm heard that you and Kingsley reached an understanding which led to this meeting."
Cho and Oliver glanced at each other before the latter nodded and announced that he would be taking a walk outside to grant them privacy.
Cho turned her back to Harry and started to walk towards a window.
"I told the minister that if he let me come here and speak with you, I'd work out an agreement between the two of us," she turned to face Harry, "Where's Callum?" she asked all of a sudden.
"Day-care," answered Harry shortly, "And what precisely do you have in mind for this agreement?" asked Harry, in no mood to beat around the bush.
"Harry, you've taken my child away from me- nothing I can do about that but something can be done to ensure me that my son is going to be raised with the best of values," Harry looked at her calculatingly for a while before she continued, "So, I've asked a friend of mine to meet us in Hogsmeade later. You'll love her- she's smart, sweet and utterly gorgeous!"
Harrys' confusion was written all over his face, "What does that have to do with us Cho?"
Cho rolled her eyes and took a moment before she answered Harry, "You know, for someone who took out a Dark Lord when he was seventeen, you're utterly thick," Harry turned red and was about to open his mouth with a scathing remark of his own before Cho spoke again, "Sorry, that was uncalled for but what I am trying to say Harry, is that if you're so adamant on finding a partner to help you raise Callum then I'll be more than happy to help you find one."
Harry was seething; there were no other words to describe the absolute fury and utter disgust he felt towards Cho right now.
"In case you haven't noticed Cho, Cedric already has another parent- one who has done a far better job in the last few weeks than you've managed to do in the last five years!"
Cho laughed, she actually burst into hysterical laughter.
"Please don't tell me that you're referring to that death eater Snape!"
"How dare you say that," Harrys' face was red and he was advancing on Cho with each spoken word, "How dare you show him anything other than respect? If it wasn't for Severus, you and the rest of the students would probably have been tortured to death during the war!"
Cho wisely shut her mouth when she realised that Harry was now rather close to her and the air around him had started to crackle with magic; she went for a different approach.
Harry started when he felt Cho run a hand down his chest in a light caress, "What-"
"Harry, you surely don't want to spend the rest of your life with a man a miss out on the pleasures of a woman's body now do you?"
Harry hastily took a step back as Cho stepped forward.
Cho continued on, her voice now in a noticeably low tone, "I'm sure that I can find a way to remind you and change your mind…"
Harry now had enough pieces of the puzzle together to come back to himself and create a larger distance between himself and Cho, "You're insane and you're married."
Cho chuckled, "I most certainly am and I'm definitely not talking about myself… I love Oliver way too much to destroy what we have however I know many enticing young women who would keep you happy for the rest of your life Harry."
"NO! I'm with Severus and I'm gay! I don't want women, hell I don't even want another man!"
"I will not allow my child to be raised by two men!" her teasing tone gone, "And I most certainly won't stand for my son being tarnished by something so unnatural as two men in a relationship together!"
"You're being unreasonable!" shouted Harry.
"I'm not unreasonable!" shouted Cho as suddenly tears started to fall down her face, "You're the one that took my child away and I'm trying to offer you a solution to this problem by giving you a way to have my son properly taken care of now that his mother doesn't have any rights-"
"Cedric has been properly taken care of for the last five years and more so, these past few months since he's met Severus so don't play the agonising mother act on me now, it's not going to work!"
With that, Harry turned away from Cho and stalked out of room and into the corridor, intent of just going back to his and Severus' quarters to calm down for a while.
Xxx
By the time Harry reached the Gargoyle to Severus' office, his rage had returned.
He knew that couldn't go up to Severus looking like he was about to commit murder because if Severus took one look at his face, all his doubts about letting Cho into the castle would come rushing back and he'd personally haul the woman out before Harry even had a chance to speak to her again.
Yes, after everything that happened, Harry was still planning on meeting with Cho again.
He couldn't quite believe that she'd have the audacity to impose on his personal life and for that, he was exceedingly furious but this was also the first time they had met since everything had come to light and Harry was far from giving up. Giving up meant that he may never be able to live with his family without Chos' constant meddling and that was just not acceptable!
Harry leaned against the wall before ascending the stairs, trying his best to rein in his emotions in order to be a convincing act to Severus.
Xxx
Harry walked into the living room and bodily flung himself onto the couch; seeing the fire crackling and the comfortable furniture, Harry became plagued with exhaustion.
"At least this time you didn't land on me," came an amused voice from his left.
Harry chuckled as he burrowed his head further into the backrest of the soft couch, "You wouldn't even mind," shot back Harry teasingly.
"True," came the reply. Then in a serious tone Severus asked, "What was the outcome of your discussion with Cho?"
Harry just shrugged, "I'll go back again later."
Severus narrowed his eyes, "What is that supposed to mean?"
"I just meant to say that emotions are running high and I'm guessing that once we've both had time to calm down, we can have a proper and civilised conversation."
"Can't say I'm satisfied with that answer but I trust you not to keep anything from me."
Harry clenched his already closed eyes shut more firmly trying to convince himself that he wasn't really keeping that much from Severus anyway.
Severus however, failed to notice Harrys' guilty reaction as his attention was focussed on the exposed expanse of skin on Harrys' neck due to his position.
He slowly moved closer to Harry as to not cause any suspicion before lowering his head and nipping at the smooth, soft skin.
Xxx
There was silence before Harry felt something tickle his neck, then a breath and before he could even summon the strength to open his eyes, the skin on his neck was nipped lightly before being sucked on.
Harry gasped and his hands immediately rose to rest on Severus' head as the man left a variety of love bites all over Harrys' tanned skin.
"Sev'rus," murmured Harry.
It was only then that Severus lifted his head up and shot Harry a truly beautiful smile, "Sorry, couldn't resist," he said as his lips descended on Harrys' in a wild passionate kiss.
Severus' hands moved over Harrys' body until he started to unbutton Harrys' shirt.
Harry for his part was perfectly content with just shifting his body so that his back was against the armrest and Severus kneeled between his legs.
"Don't get too comfortable," said Severus once he finished unbuttoning Harrys' shirt.
Harry was just about to ask what that meant when he felt Severus' weight leave him and seconds later was lifted into the mans' arms- bridal style.
Harry rested his head on Severus' shoulder and began kissing and nipping the mans' neck- returning the favour- when a thought struck him.
His head lifted off Severus' shoulder as he looked at the man to say, "Cedric will be home soon."
Severus just smiled at him and answered, "No worries my love; Molly Weasley is baby-sitting for the night."
Severus looked so proud of himself that Harry immediately knew the man had planned all of this in advance and he couldn't really blame Severus since Harry had left him to take care of himself in the morning.
Harry returned to nuzzling the older wizards' neck, "Mmmm good."
Harry was thrown onto the bed before Severus divested both of them of their clothes.
Severus took a moment to admire Harrys' body; the light dusting of hair on his chest- like his own, the thin line of hair from his navel leading to his pubic hair and finally the proud member that stood out from its nest of curls.
Harry did the same to Severus; the older man was lean with pale skin marred by scars from his years of spying but if anything, those imperfections only turned Harry on further as he continued to run his eyes over the other mans' form, his eyes finally resting on Severus' cock: Long and thick and just calling out for attention.
Harry raised his arms to Severus in a silent request to join him, smiling as Severus lowered his body onto Harrys'.
The two men wasted no time in kissing each other breathless, memorising the feel of each others bodies and getting lost in the ecstasy of the moment.
Harrys' body arched when Severus took his nipple in his mouth for the first time, biting and sucking until it was red before moving on to the other.
Harry wasn't idle though; he allowed his hands to explore Severus' back, finding scars that he was yet to see while tracing his fingers over the muscles that rippled every time Severus moved against him.
When Harry reached around and took hold of Severus' cock- running his thumb over the leaking tip, all Severus could do was capture Harrys' lips in a searing kiss and allow the younger man to swallow his groans of pleasure.
Severus was getting close to the height of his pleasure; he gently removed Harrys' hand off his erection before slipping down Harrys' body and summoning a vial of lube from the dresser.
He kneeled between Harrys' parted legs- pushing them back until Harry grasped the back of his knees to keep his legs wide open for Severus.
When the first slick finger traced the rim of his hole, Harry gasped at the unfamiliar feeling but as Severus used his free hand to massage Harrys' balls, Harry started to relax until he barely noticed when a second finger was added.
As Severus stretched Harry, he searched around for Harrys' sweet spot, content when the younger wizard arched his back and opened his mouth in a silent scream.
Harry was ready and Severus took pleasure in finally coating his cock with the lube, admittedly stroking himself for longer than necessary before taking his cock in hand and running it from Harrys' cleft to his balls.
He teased Harry for a while, breath catching every so often when the head of his cock caught on the rim of Harrys' hole until neither man could stand it any longer.
Harry whined as Severus teased him endlessly, but his whine turned into a gasp of delight as Severus pushed in ever so slightly, steadying him with his left hand on Harrys' hip.
Severus locked eyes with Harry before Harry nodded for Severus to go further.
The initial burn turned into a feeling a fullness before it became utter and complete pleasure when Severus started to move inside him.
Shallow, hesitant thrusts soon turned into hard, fast strokes.
Every so often, Harry would gasp out for Severus to go harder or faster whenever his prostate was stimulated and Severus always obliged until he was eventually pounding Harry into the mattress.
The room was filled with moans and gasps and shouts as both men neared the pinnacle of pleasure.
"Ha- Harry," was all that was heard before Severus took hold of Harrys' cock and pumped it in time with his fervent thrusts.
Harry let out a deep, throaty moan and shouted out Severus' name as he clenched his arse around Severus' cock.
The mans' rhythm faltered and Harry felt himself let go as he arched his back and finally came all over Severus' hand and his own chest.
The first time Harry clenched around Severus, he thought that he might die of pleasure on the spot however when Harry came, the sounds elicited from him and the manner in which his body arched all became too much as Severus succumbed to one of the most powerful orgasms he had ever experienced.
Xxx
When both men came down from their high, Severus' cast a quick cleaning spell over their bodies and settled down more comfortably, pulling Harry close allowing the younger man to rest his head on Severus' chest.
Harry placed a kiss over Severus' heart as snuggled deeper into the warmth.
"That was brilliant," mumbled Harry sleepily.
"I expected nothing less," said Severus as he placed kiss on Harrys' forehead.
They were silent for a while before Severus spoke again, "Did you mean what you said on the day we performed the ritual?"
Harry looked up at Severus, puzzled for a moment.
Severus elaborated, "When you said that I would be a great father to more children apart from Cedric."
Harry smiled into Severus' chest before he countered with a question of his own, "Did you mean what you asked me on that same day?"
It was Severus' turn to look puzzled before Harry spoke up again, "When you asked me if I'll marry you?"
Shock was written all over Severus' face as Harry hid his face in amusement only to bring it back up and stare when Severus said, "Yes I was serious… now answer my question."
"Which one?" asked Harry with cheek.
Severus sighed in mock exasperation, "Both," he said as he flushed slightly.
Harry took a deep breath and answered, "Yes."
Severus' eyes grew wide, "To which one?"
Harry grinned, "Both."
Severus laughed out loud suddenly as he ran his hand through Harrys' hair.
"Mr Potter, did you just agree to marry me?"
"And to have your children apparently," said Harry as despite himself, he blushed crimson.
Severus' heart sped up as he pulled Harry closer.
Harry smiled contently as he allowed Severus' heartbeat to lull him to sleep.
Until
Harry sat up straight in bed dislodging Severus' arm in the process.
"Harry what the-"
"Uhm- Severus I'm sorry but I really need to go speak to Cho."
Severus sighed, "You can speak to her in the morning; now please get back here and let me sleep in peace."
Harry looked at Severus pleading, "No look I'm sorry but I really need to do this. I promise that when come back I'll tell you everything but if I don't go now then she'll probably think I've conceded."
Severus looked concerned, "Conceded what?"
"Look Severus, I left in a huff earlier after we had a huge argument and I need to go there and try to reason with her before she decides to take off- she's pretty good with doing that."
"Fine," said Severus.
Harry smiled at him fondly, "This wouldn't take long, I promise."
When Harry got out of bed, he winced at the sudden pain between his legs.
Thankfully Severus was a very well prepared potions master as he handed Harry two vials; a muscle relaxant and a pain reliever.
Harry thanked Severus with a quick kiss then pulled on his clothes and headed for the door.
"Hey," called out Severus.
"Hmmm," said Harry as he turned around.
"Don't forget about me here."
"Not a chance," assured Harry as he winked and exited the room.
Xxx
When Harry reached the door to his former quarters, he knocked hesitantly.
After three more knocks, Harry realised that unless he stopped, the entire castle was going to be after him for causing a ruckus.
Before leaving, Harry tried the door knob in a last ditch effort and fortunately for him, the door opened.
Harry pushed the door open and walked inside.
Perhaps if everything hadn't happened so fast, Harry may have had the time to regret his actions but the blinding green light hit him so fast that there wasn't much time to do anything at all except drown in the darkness.
Xxx
Severus cursed under his breath as he pulled his robes tighter around his body while walking the chilly corridors leading to the infirmary.
Curse Minerva for summoning him from his bed for an 'emergency'- probably just some errant student that was hit with an embarrassing hex.
He only hoped that when Harry returned to their quarters he wouldn't be too angry to find that Severus wasn't awaiting him.
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"Severus," gasped Minerva as she clutched onto his forearm and dragged him to a bed where the curtains were drawn, "Thank God you're here. Poppy said he might be waking at any moment and I imagine that you would like to be here."
Severus was confused and he was also frustrated but he was mostly curious as to what in the name of Merlin was going on.
When Minerva parted the curtains and allowed him to go through first, Severus finally understood.
It took all of his willpower to remain on his feet and not fall to his knees- as horribly dramatic as that would be- and weep beside the form that lay unconscious in the hospital bed.
Severus could have convinced himself that Harry was just sleeping had it not been for the worried looks on the matron and Headmistress' face.
Severus reminded himself that Minerva had said that Harry would wake soon so it couldn't have been that bad.
That reminded him- he was just about to ask what had happened when he heard a pained groan from where Harry lay.
Severus rushed to his side and held onto his hand intertwining their fingers as his other hand stroked Harrys' fringe away from his eyes- those brilliant green eyes that opened to look directly at him.
Emotions coursed through Harrys' face before it settled on confusion and he asked Minerva, "Why am I here?"
Severus' worry increased at that question but it was nothing compared to blow dealt when Harry turned his questions to Severus himself.
Harry looked at Severus then down to their entwined fingers and then back up to Severus.
"Professor- Professor Snape, why am I here? Was it an auror accident?"
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