Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Harry Potter.
Note: Thanks for the reviews. I have seen that this story is on the alert list of a 100 people, so yay to everybody. The wedding will take place in the next chapter. If there are any problems that you wished to see addressed or things you don't understand then please let me know, either way through a review or an email. I wish to thank my beta reader by the way for having the patience to tweak the story every time which makes me very happy. Let's begin.
Three.
Two.
One.
"Happy birthday, Harry."
Dammit, no response.
He moved slightly, annoyed at his lover who was currently draped across his chest, snoring softly. Of course his lover couldn't be blamed for being tired; they had just spent the better part of the day doing manual labour to rebuild the castle. His lover was exhausted, as was he, but he was awake so why not his lover?
Growling low in his throat, he pushed at the other male, getting a soft grunt in response and the dark head shifting slightly before settling back into the deep sleep. Thoroughly annoyed now, he jostled the other wizard, this time succeeding in making the other male roll away from him, mumbling low under his breath.
Heaving a sigh, he spooned behind the other bed occupant, lifting the dark hair away from the delicious neck and slowly began planting kisses, in between suckling and nipping at the exposed flesh gently.
At first he got no response, but then a tired groan sounded and his lover pushed back against him before stiffening as he realized what was going on and with a sleepy cry said, "Sev'rus, stop that! Try'ing to sleep."
The large hand on Harry's hip turned the younger male towards Severus, and the older wizard smirked as he could see the tired look in the green eyes he adored.
Harry yawned loudly, cracking his jaw in the process and rubbed at his eyes, settling back down against Severus' chest on his back, and curling up to the older wizard. Emerald eyes drifted closed again on their own accord and for a moment Severus heaved a sigh, ruffling the messy dark hair even further.
"Wake up for a moment, brat." Severus tapped the tanned cheek close to his arm and the green eyes opened again as Harry pushed himself away from their embrace and sat up, hissing in anger.
"What could you possibly want that justifies you waking me up in the middle of the bloody night after we have just spent the better part of the day hauling pieces of stone from one end of the castle to the other? Does it perhaps occur to you that tonight I want to just sleep?"
Severus licked in lips as he smiled wickedly, eyeing the delicious body before him. The magic was crackling in the air, responding to Harry's anger and the green eyes were flashing in fury as well.
"I merely wanted to wish you a happy birthday, Mister Potter," He said smoothly, in his silkiest voice.
"You want to wish me a happy…. You …what?"
Harry was thoroughly confused and blinked a few times, his mind slowly catching up with the events. For a moment Severus regretted waking Harry when he saw how tired the younger man looked but then…
A bright smile suddenly burst forward as Harry whispered, reaching around to stare at the grandfather clock that stood in the bedroom. "My birthday…. But I didn't wake up to count down." The clock showed ten minutes past midnight and Harry turned back to stare at Severus as his mind finally caught up.
"You counted down for me?" The younger wizard asked in such a small voice it nearly had Severus' heart breaking as the older wizard only nodded mutely. The next moment he found his arms suddenly full of Harry Potter as the younger wizard managed to knock them both down from the bed.
Severus felt the impact with the cold floor vibrate through his chest and he moaned as he crawled back into bed, massaging his sore skull. "Lovely way to thank me, Potter."
He settled against the headboard of the bed, hands ghosting over the thick bandages on his neck and he could still see the exhaustion in the green eyes as they locked with his own. He offered Harry as smile, seeing the easing of tension from the shoulders as he made sure Harry knew that Severus was not wounded or was angry with the younger wizard.
The birthday boy was currently bouncing up and down on the bed, all traces of tiredness gone except well marked in his eyes. Severus sighed, hands reaching for the nightstand as he rummaged through the drawer before finding the velvet box.
He tossed it to the young seeker who caught it before glancing down at his hands. "What is it?' Harry asked, glancing back up uncertain.
"Open it and you'll know," Severus merely said, rising one delicate eyebrow, gesturing towards Harry and the box.
Harry looked back up at him, uncertain for a moment before he started to fumble with the lock on the box, grinning like a small child. Finally the quick fingers had managed to pry open the lock Severus had placed on the box.
Harry gasped when he finally managed to open the velvet box. It dropped from limp fingers, and the green eyes shot up towards Severus' face. Sighing, the older wizard leaned forward to take the box from the nesting place amongst the sheets and he once more presented the box to Harry.
"Well?" He asked with a lift of his eyebrows and Harry could only nod shakily, a smile pulling at the lips uncertain.
"Potter, an answer if you would?" Severus sneered and Harry looked up, this time smiling in earnest as the shaking fingers took out the small silver ring with three emerald bands woven into it.
"Yes." Harry's voice was hitching and slurring with exhaustion but Severus could see the steady love in the bright eyes. The band slipped easily onto his ring finger and Severus allowed his fingers to touch Harry's hand, muttering a soft spell as the ring glowed greenish for a moment before settling down.
The candlelight caught the silver of the ring he already wore and Harry frowned, looking up at him through narrowing eyes as the dark messy hair hid the famous scar from view. "You are already wearing it." He accused, voice filling with an emotions Severus could not place and he was once more painfully reminded of Harry's past and his own.
"I am but it is not yet complete. It requires the touch of somebody very special…" He pulled the younger man close, eyes still locked with the haunting green ones.
Harry looked at him strangely, not realizing what he was saying or what it meant. "It is a plain band, Harry. Unlike yours, it does not serve its purpose as a wedding band yet. All it requires really is that you infuse it with your magic."
"What is the use of the ring then? I mean why should they be infused with magic?" Harry looked faintly defensive and Severus slowly reached out, twisting Harry's hand so both bands flashed in the light.
"It is not some sort of bond in case you were worried about such a thing. No, it is to show people that we are meant to be together. That you belong to me, and I to you." Harry's eyes were searching his face with such intensity that, unless Severus had known better, he wondered if the boy would use Legilimency against him. Gently, Severus said, "I promised I would never harm you and I stand by that promise, Harry. I will never harm you." He could feel Harry's hands fidgeting beneath his hand and he tightened his grip.
It was a defence mechanism and, before Severus could continue talking, Harry had muttered a soft charm and Severus felt the magic dance upon his skin, making the band flash golden for a moment as the green bands were suddenly replaced by red ones instead.
Severus raised his dark eyes to glare at his young lover. "The Head of Slytherin house with a red wedding band?" He thundered harshly, yet Harry gave him a slow smirk.
"Well if you can make Gryffindor's golden boy walk around with an emerald wedding band then yes, the Head of Slytherin house can walk around with a red one." Harry yawned again, one hand sheepishly trying to hide it but Severus smirked.
Severus' hand drifted over Harry's chest, which was covered by a shirt as the younger wizard crawled back underneath the blankets as Severus' fingers slowly sneaked up his shirt, over the toned stomach which Severus slowly circled as he watched his lover's eyes drifting shut.
"Feels nice…" The Boy Who Lived muttered as Severus' hand brushed his stomach again, the older wizard smirking. He could see the dark circles underneath the bright green eyes as Harry dozed lightly, fighting sleep.
Harry turned on his side towards Severus, hoping to coax more movement of the hand that lay heavily upon his stomach, eyes opening as they locked with the dark ones. Severus merely smiled at him; turning on his side as well as he drew his own sheets over himself and began moving his hand again in lazy circles.
Harry yawned again, showing firm white teeth, as he settled in obvious comfort on the warm mattress. Severus closed the distance between them to kiss the parted lips, Harry responding weakly, already too far gone to truly pay attention.
Severus drew back, snatching back his hand and slowly pushing the bangs away from the for once wrinkle free forehead. He knew Harry would sleep peacefully tonight because of the exhaustion. He could wake Harry if he wanted to but seeing the younger male so peaceful and knowing that the day ahead of them would be long, he decided against it.
He tugged the brat's shirt down, smiling as Harry leaned into to his touches even when he did so unintentionally. Gentle fingers traced Harry's cheeks and his parted lips before plucking the glasses away and settling them on the nightstand, then drawing the younger male closer and falling asleep, watching him.
The next day, Severus was the first to be up. For a while he lay awake watching Harry as the young male dozed in the same spot where he had fallen asleep, hair tousled and fingers curled lightly around Severus' hand.
Slowly pushing himself away from Harry, hearing the soft grunt of displeasure before Harry settled down again, Severus managed to slip from their bed and went to take a quick shower, borrowing Harry's wand in the process.
His wand was still in the keeping of the Headmistress, but since they would be discussing and signing the teaching contract today, Severus hoped it would be returned to him. He eyed the band on his hand as he turned on the tap for the shower, allowing the water to heat up. He tried a spell to change the colour of the band but to no avail.
Smirking to himself he placed the wand on the washing table before quickly undressed and, stepping into the hot water, heaved a soft moan. It eased the pain in his shoulders and neck, the pain that was left from the poisoning from two months ago. He had not removed the bandages, afraid that, like Arthur Weasley, the wound would reopen.
He washed himself, standing under the shower longer then normal, before stepping out and drying himself off with a soft towel, hearing a commotion in the other room. Isn't it a bit early for birthday gifts?
He walked towards the bedroom to see Harry turning the bedroom upside down. "My wand, I can't find it."
Severus held up the large dark wooden stick and he could see the relief on his lover's face. "I borrowed it." He only said as Harry eyed him.
"For what?" Harry had the cheek to ask him, eyeing him and the still red wedding band.
"Alright, I was trying to change the colours of the wedding band but it seems that I am unable to. Care to inform me what spell you used?" Laughing lightly Harry shook his head, plucking the wand from his hand before fleeing into the bathroom, slamming the door shut.
"Impossible brat." Severus informed the door as he quickly dressed himself, taking care to lay out clothes for Harry as well, including the underwear, which he chose from his own drawers. It was a birthday gift from professor McGonagall, dark silver adorned with green snakes which were all curling around each other and sticking out their tongues.
He shuddered at the thought of what could have possibly possessed the woman to pick out such a scandalous gift for him.
He straightened out the bedroom, cursing the fact that he had no wand. When he smoothed out the last wrinkle in the sheets, Harry emerged from the bathroom, hair wet and wand in hand, a towel wrapped around his narrow waist.
Severus raised an eyebrow as Harry blushed when the dark gaze swept approvingly over the lack of clothing and Harry quickly grabbed the boxers, putting them on as Severus remarked, "Don't be foolish, boy; I have seen you naked before."
Harry blushed crimson, looking down. "Yeah I know…." He mumbled, cutting himself off when he caught sight of the boxers with the snakes on them. "Severus? Is this your idea of a birthday gift?" Harry looked up expectantly as Severus drew closer, sneering at the boxers as he answered.
"No, you will have to ask your foolish Head of House where she got the ridiculous notion that I wear silk boxers with snakes on them or that I even remotely like snakes."
"You never complain when I speak parseltongue." Harry hopped with one leg into his trousers, Severus catching him and quickly unbalancing the Boy Who Lived.
"You have never spoken parseltongue to me, boy." He growled low in his throat, head buried in Harry's neck, against the damp hair as Harry found his balance again. Uncertain green eyes rose up to meet the dark ones but Severus could see the well hidden amusement.
"Perhaps I should try to see what the affects are." Harry mumbled under his breath as Severus crossed the distance to crush his lips firmly against Harry's, cutting off any further comments the boy could give as Harry melted against him, bringing one hand up to come and rest upon his cheek.
"Happy birthday, brat." The older wizard said, straightening. "And now get dressed! I hate to see the stares of those two old, impossible Headmasters if we are late again."
He could hear the soft giggle of Harry as he went to the sitting room, waiting patiently for the younger male to arrive. Harry came out within a few moments, fully dressed as he tugged, seemingly uncomfortable, at the shirt which was tighter then the normally baggy ones Harry was used to wearing.
Severus' hand went to his pocket and he encountered only thin air, remembering that his wand was with the headmistress. His hand was suddenly held tight and he met the slow smile as Harry eyed him uncertain.
"Thank you," He mumbled softly, seeing the nod of the messy hair which Harry had forgotten to comb. Together they left the damp dungeon rooms, walking quickly up towards the Headmistress' office.
A rotating staircase and several whispers at paintings later and Severus knocked on the wooden door. The soft but stern voice bade them to enter and Severus held the door open as Harry entered, hearing a quiet cry of, "Happy birthday."
Severus scowled darkly at the beaming painting of the former Headmaster as Dumbledore twinkled and Severus' dark eyes quickly looked around the room. Strangely, the only ones present were the Minister of Magic and the Headmistress, who immediately handed Severus a wand, his own wand and as his hand closed around the handle, he could feel the tension inside him draining.
A long scroll was lying on the desk and three chairs had been pulled up.
"Please be seated. I wish to get this over with as soon as possible so we can go back to our day to day lives. This is the actual teaching contract. It is not unlike the normal teaching contract which the staff of Hogwarts is normally bound by, except for a few exceptions. Both Harry Potter and Severus Snape cannot quite or be dismissed for duration of three years. They cannot take leave of absence without a ministry official being notified of the exact reasoning,"
said Shacklebolt's deep voice, then the Minister of Magic continued. "
As was stated before Harry will be the keeper of the gold. How you go about this during your day to day lives, will be up to you to decide. This will also take place for duration of three years. Headmistress McGonagall will be the keeper of Severus Snape wand. His wand will be his responsibility when he remains at Hogwarts. The said wand cannot be taken off of the school grounds without notifying the Headmistress and a Ministry official. Both of you will make your home at Hogwarts during the term time."
Professor McGonagall took over as she said, "Severus will return to teaching Potions and Harry will be responsible for the Defence against the Dark Arts position. You cannot change those positions for three years and the class curriculum that you will be teaching will have to be approved by both the Minister of Magic and myself as the Headmistress of Hogwarts. Your behaviour will reflect directly on the school and I am, from this day forward, responsible for your actions, so take care with how you behave in public."
Once again, Kingsley said, "After these three years are over, you may apply for different positions. You will not hold any privileges that other staff members may enjoy, such as being a member of the Quidditch team or being able to leave for a weekend without notifying anybody. Severus Snape will continue to serve as Head of House for Slytherin and Harry will be promoted to Head of House of Gryffindor. You will be serving under Professor McGonagall's guidance for the upcoming year because a Headmistress is unable to be Head of House. You will receive pay according to you positions and your quarters are those of your own choosing. You may not patrol the grounds, only being restricted to the castle unless one of your own house is missing and in danger and it will be in discussion with me or with the Headmistress."
Severus could see out of the corner of his eye how Harry swallowed thickly. It was a lot to take in because, while most of his former class members went onto new adventures and new lives and promises of a bright future, Harry was stuck here, stuck teaching for three years and with Severus as his bond mate for the rest of his life.
"Do you both agree to this?" Shacklebolt's deep voice shook him out of his thoughts and Severus stepped forward, taking the quill and quickly signing his future on the dotted line.
He turned back when Dumbledore's voice came and said. "Harry, I know that it is hard and that it is a lot to take in but you will fine. With Severus as your husband you will have quite a happy life. You will be able to travel with your husband in a few years time and then all of this is over…" It seemed that the words had the desired affect because Harry took a deep breath and then gave Severus a gentle smile as he signed his signature as well.
Severus startled when the arms slipped around his waist and Harry buried his face in his chest, seeking comfort. He placed a gentle hand on the tense shoulder which trembled underneath his hand.
"Hush, it will be alright," He whispered, rubbing the tense shoulder. He received a nod from Shacklebolt who then disappeared through the floo. When the minister was gone, the entire atmosphere changed to a lighter one.
"Congratulations, Severus, and you too Harry. I am very glad to welcome you to the Hogwarts staff. There is a little welcoming feast for the both of you in the Great Hall so let us go. Though on another note, the official date is known when the wedding is to take place. It will be held the 16th of August which is on a Friday. We will hold a small celebration for Harry's birthday as well now."
Feeling his brat's arm around his waist and the gentle smile curling the thin lips of the Headmistress, Severus felt a huge weight fall off his shoulders. It might not have been the brightest future ahead of him but it was a future shared with Harry and, as he saw the happiness in the bright green eyes, Severus could not help but wonder what he had done to deserve such luck.
I hope you liked it. Please review and send ideas for the wedding and Umbridge.