Harry groaned as Severus moved to his neck and he grasped the older man's shoulders, Severus having finally released his arm. However, it seemed that now he was able to breathe, he was able to think as well.
"Se-Sev'rus, we need to t-talk," Harry gasped out as Severus continued the assault on his neck.
"You talk, I'll continue," Severus said between kisses. "I've waited far too long for this."
"I know, I have too," Harry said with a laugh, "but we need to talk."
Severus sighed and pulled away. "When in Merlin's name did you become productive and rational?"
"When you ceased to be so," Harry said with a grin and Severus glowered.
"Didn't you say we needed to talk?" Severus said and Harry laughed, nodding. He pulled Severus over to the sofa and sat down.
"Perhaps, instead of yelling at each other, we actually discuss the wedding," Harry said and Severus sighed again.
"It is more than just dangerous for you to go to the wedding. The wards at the Burrow are not enough to protect you and neither are the people there. Some, I admit, are good wizards but they are not enough to keep you safe," Severus told him.
"Don't you think I've thought of all of this?" Harry said with a smile. "Sev'rus, I have my bracelet and it can bring me from the Burrow to here if I need to. Also, that is why I suggested you come with me under Polyjuice or a glamour. I'm allowed to bring someone with me and it should be you."
"Harry, this is beyond dangerous. It's extremely unlikely if Voldemort doesn't already know about the wedding. He knows you are at Hogwarts. He is probably just waiting for you to leave and go to the Burrow," Severus said.
"I realize that but I refuse to base my life around Voldemort, something you've told me. We've also agreed that I can't be locked away just because of Voldemort," Harry said.
"Harry—"
"I'm going to the wedding. I'm a groomsman, I have to go," Harry insisted.
Severus stared at him for a long while. "Fine, but if anything happens—"
"You can lock me in my room until I die." Harry grinned.
"That may be a bit extreme," Severus said and acted as though he was contemplating another solution. "Instead it will be my room and just until Voldemort is destroyed."
Harry chuckled. "I'm the only one who can destroy him."
"Anyone can destroy him, they're all just too cowardly to do so," Severus said and Harry smiled at the veiled compliment.
"Does that include you?" Harry asked cheekily.
"Must you be such a brat?" Severus said even as he leaned in and kissed Harry, silencing the younger man's laughter.
"So what is this?" Harry asked once they broke apart again.
"I believe they call it a conversation," Severus said, smirking.
Harry smacked the man's arm. "Don't be a git. You know what I meant. What is this with us?"
"I think we should just let it be. Why label it and rush it? Let's just let it go and see what happens," Severus said.
Harry smiled and nodded. "Sounds good."
Severus laughed lightly and kissed him again.
"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed and pulled him into a tight hug. "Wonderful to see you again, dear. We are so happy you could make it."
"I wouldn't miss it." Harry smiled.
"And who is your guest?" the woman asked, turning to Harry's companion.
Harry smiled at the glamoured Severus Snape. His hair had been shortened like Harry's and turned a light brown. His eyes were a deep blue and his skin slightly tanned. He looked to be in his mid-twenties. Severus had refused to let Harry go to the wedding alone and had glamoured himself to accompany Harry.
"This is my friend, Simon Linus," Harry introduced and the two shook hands in greeting. Harry had chosen 'Simon' as Severus' name and had suggested 'Prince', but Severus knew there was bound to be someone who recognized the surname.
"It is lovely to meet you, Mr. Linus," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Simon, please, Madam," Severus said.
"Molly, my dear," Mrs. Weasley said and Severus inclined his head. "Harry has never mentioned you. How did you two meet?"
Harry glanced at Severus. They hadn't come up with any answers to any questions! "I used to live in Privet Drive. We met a couple of summers ago when he was seeking refuge from his cousin," Severus said smoothly.
Well, Harry thought. He's a spy for a reason.
"Interesting," Mrs. Weasley said. "Harry, why did you never mention this friend of yours?"
"Oh, umm. Well, I-I guess it just…never came up?" Harry said weakly and heard Severus snort quietly. He glared at the man.
"Actually, I am relatively neutral in this war and want to stay out of sight," Severus said and it was Harry's turn to snort, but glared again when Severus hit him upside the head.
"Quite understandable, dear." Mrs. Weasley nodded. "What do you do for work, Simon?"
"I am an architect," Severus said and Harry gaped at him. An architect? Really?
"It must be quite interesting to design buildings."
"It has always fascinated me."
Harry shook his head in disbelief.
"Oh, Harry, you need to get ready. Up to Ron's room and I will send—" Severus stopped the woman.
"I can get him ready, if you would not mind," Severus said and Harry gaped again.
"Not at all, dear. You go on ahead. Harry will show you the way." Mrs. Weasley smiled.
Severus looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow when he didn't move. "Shall we?"
It was several moments before Harry finally headed upstairs with Severus behind him.
"Must you keep staring like that?" Severus said as they climbed the stairs.
"Sorry, but an architect?" Harry said.
"I thought it was fitting."
"Simon the architect? Honestly?"
"And what is wrong with being an architect?"
"Nothing. It's just not you."
"Well, I'm not supposed to be me, am I? I am Simon Linus."
Harry shot him a scowl over his shoulder. "No need to be a smartass about it."
Severus just smirked.
Harry rolled his eyes and walked into Ron's bedroom. It was quite messy, clothes and papers everywhere.
"Well, isn't this inviting," Severus said.
"He's not the most organized person," Harry said with a shrug and Severus stared at him. "I don't even know what I'm wearing."
"More than likely the dress robes hanging next to the closet," Severus said, pointing to the dark green-almost-black robes.
"You're an arse, why did I bring you?"
"I forced my company on you."
"Because I put up such a fight," Harry said with a grin.
"Get dressed, brat," Severus said, shoving Harry lightly and making him laugh.
As Harry dressed into the robes, Severus leaned against the wall, watching him. Harry was acutely aware of Severus watching him and fought down a blush. When it came to put on his tie, Harry found himself fumbling. Severus gave an exaggerated huff and smacked Harry's hands away, quickly fixing the tie.
"You are completely incompetent," Severus said as Harry pulled on the outer robes. He flushed but grinned when Severus' eyes roamed over him.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"Because you look quite attractive in these robes," Severus said bluntly and Harry turned red. "Really, how easy you blush," Severus added as he leaned in and kissed Harry lightly.
"Someone could see," Harry said when the kiss ended. They had silently agreed to keep their relationship quiet for several reasons.
"As they believe you are dressing, they will knock," Severus said and pulled Harry into another kiss.
"We were complete idiots for waiting so long," Harry said, his fingers playing with the back of Severus' glamoured hair. "I hate to spoil it, but this is actually weird."
"Why is that?" Severus asked.
"Well, I've been kissing you but you don't look like you."
"Yes, I suppose that could be disconcerting." Severus nodded.
"Harry, dear, are you ready?" Mrs. Weasley said through the door as she knocked.
"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said and the door opened, Mrs. Weasley walking in.
"You look absolutely marvellous, dear," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile even as she tried to smooth out Harry's hair.
"Try all you want, Mrs. Weasley, I promise you it won't work," Harry said with a chuckle as Mrs. Weasley withdrew with a huff. Harry laughed again.
"Well then, you and Simon can head downstairs. Simon, you may head out to the yard with the other guests. Harry, you stay in the kitchen," Mrs. Weasley told them.
"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said and left the room with Severus once again following. "Try not to kill anyone," he said just before entering the kitchen.
"I'll make an effort," Severus said and Harry chuckled, kissing him briefly.
"Still weird," Harry muttered. "I'll see you shortly."
Severus nodded with a smile and headed outside to wait with the other guests.
"Harry!"
Harry turned around at the sound of his voice being called and smiled. "Bill!"
The oldest of the Weasley children hugged Harry tightly. "How've you been, Harry?"
"I've been good, and you?"
"Excellent and nervous as all hell. Getting married it bloody scary."
Harry laughed. "I'm sure you'll make it through."
"Let's hope." Bill grinned. "You look good."
"Same to you. I like the robes."
"Thanks. Hey, I'm glad you could come today and thanks for being a groomsman," Bill said and Harry smiled softly.
"I wouldn't miss it, trust me," Harry said. "Is Charlie here yet?"
"I think he's still getting ready."
"Really? I got here not long ago and I'm already dressed."
"He's a bit slow," Bill said, "and in more ways than one."
"Hey, don't be an arse," Charlie said as he descended the stairs.
"Truth hurts, brother," Bill said with a shrug, ducking away from Charlie's hex with a laugh.
"Arse, Bill, arse," Charlie said and Bill laughed again, throwing an arm around his brother's neck.
"You love me." Bill grinned.
"Out of obligation, you git," Charlie said. "And get off me," he added, shoving Bill away.
"I'm wounded, Charlie," Bill said, slapping a hand to his heart.
Charlie rolled his eyes and turned to Harry. "You must be mad to have come here."
Harry laughed. "Like you?"
"As I said, out of obligation."
Harry laughed again.
"Harry," Bill said, gaining his attention. "I want you to meet my third groomsman. This is my friend, Marcus Carter."
Marcus was a tall man with dirty blonde hair that was pulled into a ponytail. He had shining green eyes, high cheekbones, and full lips. He was thin but it was easy to see the muscles even through the dress robes he was wearing.
"It's nice to meet you. Harry Potter."
"Nice to meet you as well, Harry." Marcus had a heavy Irish accent.
"Oh, good. You boys are all ready," Mrs. Weasley said as she bustled down the staircase. "We are ready to begin. Bill, you go take your place. Harry, Charlie, and Marcus, you will each be walking out with Gabrielle, Hermione, and Ginny."
The boys nodded in understanding and Bill went to take his place at the altar.
"Excellent," Mrs. Weasley said. "Harry, you will be escorting Gabrielle. Marcus, you will be escorting Hermione. And, Charlie, you will be escorting Ginny."
As she listed the pairs, the three bridesmaids walked down the stairs. All three were wearing ocean blue cocktail dresses with one shoulder and intricate beading on the skirts.
"Oh, there is the music! It is time. Charlie will be first and then Marcus and then Harry," Mrs. Weasley instructed just before rushing outside.
Ginny took her brother's arm and they went down the aisle. Marcus and Hermione soon followed. Harry smiled at Fleur's little sister as she took his arm. They slowly walked down the aisle, smiling all the while. Harry quickly spotted Severus sitting at the back next to Minerva and a relative of Fleur's. At the end of the aisle, Harry kissed Gabrielle's cheek lightly and they parted.
The music changed and everyone stood, facing the back. Fleur appeared on her father's arm, tears in her eyes, and a large smile on her face. Her pure white wedding dress was strapless with beading all over the bodice. The skirt appeared to be delicate feathers. Father and daughter glided towards the altar. Mr. Delacour kissed his daughter's cheek before taking his seat.
Harry listened happily as the two pledged and promised themselves to each other. While saying their vows full of love, Harry found his eyes searching for Severus'. He connected with the glamoured eyes as they gazed at him intently. Harry smiled at the man and was pleased to receive a small one in return. Harry focused back on the ceremony just as the rings were exchanged and they were pronounced husband and wife. He clapped with everyone as they kissed, laughing with others as the twins made loud cat-calls.
With the ceremony over, everything changed until there was a space for dancing with small tables around it. Trays with wine, champagne, and treats floated around and the band played. Before sitting, Harry danced with Gabrielle who had very shyly asked him for one dance. When they finished, Harry kissed her cheek again before leaving to sit at a table and rest. He had just grabbed a glass of passing champagne when he was joined.
"Should I feel threatened by the young Miss Delacour?" Severus asked, sipping his wine.
Harry looked at him and smiled. "Not even a little bit."
"Good," Severus said simply and Harry chuckled.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Harry asked.
"The evening has been tolerable," Severus said. "Granted it has now gotten significantly better."
"Aren't you sweet?" Harry grinned.
"I don't do sweet as you are well aware," Severus said, he and Harry leaning closer and closer together.
"Oh, I don't know. You've been pretty sweet to me on several occasions," Harry said.
"Name one."
"Every time I've been in the hospital wing."
"You were delirious."
"When I had that breakdown when I threw your wineglass into the fireplace."
"Delusional."
"When I came back from the Dursleys."
"Head trauma from the accident."
"You are in denial."
"There is nothing to deny."
"So you are sweet?"
"Most definitely not."
"You're denying it."
"I am stating a fact."
"Denial."
"Brat."
Harry grinned and realized how close together they were. If they moved an inch they would be kissing. Harry wished they were alone so that they could kiss. Instead he just smiled again and leaned back, drinking his champagne.
"I win," he said.
"Because I allowed it," Severus said, making Harry laugh.
"I'm sure you did," Harry said, hiding his smile in his glass.
Everything was halted suddenly by the appearance of an eagle Patronus.
"Whose Patronus is that?" Harry asked.
"One of the Aurors on patrol," Severus said, the two of them getting to their feet.
"They are coming. Flee," the Patronus said and disappeared. It was silent for a time before everything descended into chaos. The sky grew dark with clouds and everyone watched in horror as Death Eaters arrived in their traditional way; soaring around as though in black smoke. Tables were overturned and glasses were shattered. People screamed and ran and threw hexes.
"Harry, you must leave!" Severus said, taking out his wand.
"No, I'm not leaving!" Harry shook his head.
"You can fight another time, another fight, just not this one. Please, go back to Hogwarts," Severus said.
"What about everyone else?"
"I will stay here and help."
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine just please, go back."
"No, I can't. I won't leave you here," Harry protested.
"I'll be fine, Harry."
"No, I—"
"Please, Harry," Severus said earnestly and Harry stared at him. "For me."
"I—"
"I will come back."
"Promise?"
"I promise you that I will return. Please, go to Hogwarts."
Harry stared at Severus. "You had better come back."
"I will."
Harry quickly pulled Severus in and kissed him. They soon pulled apart and Harry activated his Portkey while Severus threw himself into the ensuing fight.
Harry landed hard on the floor of his and Severus' quarters. He looked around before throwing himself on the sofa. How could he leave? All of his friends were back there. Severus was back there and he had just left, leaving them all to the Death Eaters. He was horrible. What kind of person left those he loved to fight Death Eaters on their own?
"Harry, dear," Ivory said, floating over to him.
"Hi," Harry said miserably.
"What is wrong, my dear?"
"Death Eaters attacked the wedding and I listened to Severus and I came back here. I left everyone back there."
"Do you think Severus could have fought as well if he was worrying about you at the same time?" Ivory wondered softly and Harry scowled. Why did everyone he know have to be adept at logic? "Perhaps you should visit Draco."
"Draco?"
"Yes. He could help distract you for the time."
"Well, I haven't visited him for a while," Harry mused. "I'll see you later, Ivory."
"Goodbye, my dear."
Harry left the rooms and headed to Draco's rooms. He walked up to the portrait that protected his rooms and smiled at the twins.
"Harry!" the twins shouted, throwing their arms in the air as if in celebration.
Harry chuckled. "Hey, Jeremy. Hey, Demetri. Is Draco here?"
"Of course he is. When does the idiot ever leave?" Jeremy said and Harry chuckled again, walking in as the portrait swung open. Walking in, he spotted Draco in the lounge chair with a book in his lap and his Runespoor curled up on the end table beside him.
"Hey, Draco," Harry said, making the Slytherin look up in surprise.
"Harry!" Draco said, smiling. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the wedding? I thought it wouldn't be over for at least another hour."
"It wouldn't have been if Death Eaters hadn't shown up and I'd still be there if I hadn't listened to Severus," Harry said, sitting on the sofa heavily.
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you listen to Severus?"
Harry crossed his arms and huffed in irritation.
Draco's frown morphed into a smirk. "He said 'please', didn't he?"
"And 'for me'," Harry muttered angrily and Draco laughed.
"He's a Slytherin, what do you expect?"
"A little dignity. He is Severus Snape."
Draco snickered, ignoring Harry's glare. "Not when it comes to someone he cares a lot about."
Harry just continued scowling. They sat in relative silence, Harry fuming and Draco watching on in amusement. Harry was finally beginning to relax and Draco had resumed reading when the door swung open and a slightly disheveled Severus walked in.
"Severus!" Harry exclaimed, throwing himself at the man, wrapping his arms tightly around Severus' neck.
"I'm fine, Harry," Severus said, holding Harry close. "Everyone's fine. Some may be a bit bruised but no one is seriously injured. Everyone got away relatively unscathed."
"Bill and Fleur?" Harry asked, not pulling away.
"They Apparated to their home. They're safely at Shell Cottage," Severus told him.
"Thank Merlin," Harry muttered, continuing to hold onto Severus.
