Chapter 28

Severus strolled into St. Mungo's two days after the trial. He was finally going back to his research and Harry to his apothecary.

It had been three months since Severus and the head of the research department in St. Mungo's decided to restart the scrapped project on growing an organ inside a body. It was purely accidental, actually. He was just meeting up with a few of the researchers who needed consultation when he came across the proposal. He was originally told the project was thrown because it 'just couldn't be done' but it turns out, the head researcher said it 'just couldn't be done by him' because he was diagnosed with muggle blood cancer of all things.

Since then, Severus talked to Wayne Smyth and had it back on track with no worries of the funding. He even volunteered to personally look it over. The head of the department had just received his improvements on Wolfsbane and knew Severus was highly competent and agreed to co-head the project without a second thought.

"Severus!" called Wayne when Severus entered their shared laboratory. While Severus was a benefactor of their department, the man was also intelligent and an expert at potions that Wayne actually hired the man to help them with a few of their projects when Severus came back to the UK thus the numerous previous meetings where Severus brought Sebastian along.

"Wayne, it's good to see you again," greeted Severus. "I apologize for my absences. Have you found anything?"

"Don't worry about that. I'm glad you and your family are alright," Wayne waved his hand dismissively before placing a journal on the table. "Look at this! I've found an old journal in one of those storage boxes. I'm not exactly sure who originally owns this as there is no name written. It talks about the possibility of growing a limb. We can test this out and if it works fine, we may be able to develop growing a whole organ from this."

Wayne found the journal only a day before Severus and his family were attacked in their home and he did not want to disturb his co-researcher during his recuperation so he chose only to tell the man when he's up to work again.

Severus stared at the journal in shock. Whoever made it was seriously brilliant! Everything was detailed and theoretically feasible. Why it wasn't published was a travesty. "This is wonderful!" exclaimed Severus with a smile. "We can test it out on mice first and then we'll go from there. I do hope this is the breakthrough we've been waiting for. I want this done as soon as possible."

"Exactly. I got all the ingredients prepared. I was waiting for you to brew the potion. I also started developing the spell it comes with. For now, it's only made for growing limbs but we can adjust the spell casting to get it to work on other organs as well." Wayne was incredibly giddy at their project. He spent the last two weeks studying the basics and the creation of the spell as it was his forte. He was confident it will work just fine.

"Okay, I will see to it immediately. This potion, I believe is also made only for limb growing but with some adjustments, I may be able to have it work for our endeavor," said Severus, carefully containing his excitement. "Have you found anything about this journal's history? What year was it made? Was it ever tested?"

"Nothing at all, though there was a letter P on the last page. I don't know what it means. St. Mungo's does not have records of these. I think someone who used to work here as department head must have either gotten it from somewhere and left it here or actually owned it. We're not even sure if it is originally from Britain."

Severus nodded thoughtfully, "Is this the only thing you found in the box? Can you show me?"

Wayne shook his head, "There are a few trinkets but I am not familiar with what those are. I'll get it. I placed it on a vault in my office."

The healer left the lab without another word, leaving Severus to ponder the possibilities of whatever else was inside the box.

Wayne came back not 5 minutes later with a decent-sized cardboard storage box in hand. It looked old, Severus thought. It was almost a miracle the box hadn't been thrown out yet.

The man placed the box on the desk and started removing various items from inside. Most were indeed weird trinkets but one specifically caught his eye.

"I know this," murmured Severus, bringing the rusty pin closer to his vision. "I think I've seen this before... from a portrait."

Wayne looked at Severus with avid curiosity. He let the man think in silence and maybe if they find out who owned the pin, they might know more about the project and its creation.

Severus' eyes widened a fraction. This was the same pin his ancestor Gaius Prince, the second son of the founder of the research department wore on his portrait. He hadn't known Gaius worked as a healer. He must have done this research on private if it really was his.

"This is the same pin my ancestor Gaius Prince has. Perhaps a conversation with him is imminent in my future. If he created something like this, he might have created more," wondered Severus in amazement.

"Gaius Prince... is that Augustus' son?" asked Wayne. He actually knew a lot about the Princes because when he started working as head of the department, he also looked up on his predecessors.

"Yes, he is. I am surprised you know," said Severus. He placed the pin back on the box, making sure to cast a cleaning charm on it and added a layer of protection.

Wayne shrugged, "Curiosity." He glanced at Severus before continuing, "Your ancestors were honorable people."

Severus inclined his head in agreement, "I do believe so. It's a shame my grandfather's disownment on my mother clouded my judgment. I would have made contact with my uncle the moment I was made heir." Severus did regret not knowing his Uncle Cassius when he was alive. They still talk from time to time after their long-awaited conversation and he found that the man was good company, smart with a good sense of humor.

"At least you're making the Prince name rise again in the medical field with your improvements on Wolfsbane. Trial tests are almost finished and I've been told it's going quite well," commented Wayne.

"It is," said Severus proudly.

The two then went to work on their tasks, Severus on studying the potion and Wayne on studying the spellwork and the history of this medical potential.

Severus felt Lady Magic had given him exactly what he spent nights wishing for. He would admit, his reasoning for developing the potion was selfish but he knew with this project, they can help not only male couples who wished to have their own child but also those who lost a part of their body from diseases or from the war.

Harry noticed that Severus was getting preoccupied with work. The man had been going in and out of St. Mungo's every day and Harry imagined Severus might seriously overwork himself by his pace, add to the fact that Severus still continued to teach Sebastian in the mornings. Harry would have loved to do it instead, but Severus refused. He said it was their bonding moment since Harry now usually took Sebastian to work with him in the apothecary.

Whatever Severus was doing must be important. He knew Wayne hired Severus as a consultant for their department. The projects they're working on must involve complicated potions for Severus to be that busy. At first, Harry wanted to ask but he knew the man would tell him if he could. He understood some of the things in a department like where Severus was working preferred not to have their projects discussed while it's being studied. Hermione was like that. She never talked about what she sees at work because of her oath. Severus may not have the same oath as Hermione but Harry knew his fiancé was nothing but ethical.

There really was no reason for Harry to doubt Severus. If it had been any other person in a relationship where his or her partner kept the details of his work private, they might be suspicious but Harry also knew and believed Severus will never do anything that may harm others or cause problems in their own relationship. It wasn't wishful thinking or mere hope. He just can't help but have unwavering trust in Severus Snape.

It was then Harry decided that they should have a family date together. It had been a while since they went out and Severus did promise Sebastian he would take him to a muggle aquarium. Harry also thought that Sebastian might like to go to the beach again in the future. When they lived in Australia, Harry and his friends used to visit one of the many beaches in Perth and Sebastian loved the sand between his toes.

Severus was already in bed with his reading glasses on reading one of his Potions Journal when Harry stepped out of the shower.

"Have you just arrived?" asked Harry as he climbed into bed next to the man.

Severus glanced at him with a small smile and nodded, "I'm sorry for missing dinner. I went to check on Prince Manor and had a few conversations with the portraits."

"It's fine, babe. How's home? Did you talk with Cassius?" Harry settled his head over Severus' chest.

"Mr. Goldstein thinks we may be able to move back by the end of July. We can celebrate your birthday at home," assured Severus. "I did talk to Cassius. He says he misses our presence."

"I miss talking to him too and Sebastian did ask for his Grandpa... I miss Prince Manor," sighed Harry. Severus leaned in to kiss the top of Harry's head and placed his journal and reading glasses on the nightstand.

"I find that I miss our home too."

While they originally decided to stay in Prince Manor only until they decide where to live, Harry had come to love the place. It was huge, he'd give it that, but it was also easy to navigate. They rarely spend time in the left-wing anyway aside from the library. And Sebastian loved Prince Manor especially the huge garden in the backyard. When Harry looked up the properties to his name, most were even more flashy and gaudy than Prince Manor. Harry thought that maybe that was one of the reasons his father acted like a spoiled brat because he really might be a spoiled brat.

He did not want Sebastian to grow up like that. They may have spoiled their son but both Severus and Harry would never tolerate rotten behavior, not that Sebastian was ever an ungrateful and mean little boy. No, Sebastian was always kind and thoughtful, and if Harry had his way, his baby boy will stay like that forever.

"Sev?" asked Harry quietly after a few minutes of silence. "I'm thinking we should take Sebastian out tomorrow. Take him to that muggle aquarium and perhaps have dinner outside. We haven't done anything like that for a while," muttered Harry.

"I think that is a grand idea, my love. I really do apologize for being too busy." Severus pulled Harry closer to his chest and softly rubbed circles on the man's bare back.

"Don't worry about it, Severus. Just make sure you don't overwork yourself, alright? Sebastian does not need an old man for a papa," grinned Harry mischievously.

"Old man, you say?" drawled Severus, voice deeper than usual. "I'll show you just how old this man is."

Harry grinned, "I'd like that."

Harry found that night that Severus definitely wasn't old.

Severus had Sebastian on his shoulders as he and Harry walked hand-in-hand around Sea Life in Brighton. They all wore casual muggle clothing. Surprisingly, Severus wore a plain white shirt with dark blue muggle jeans, a combination that made Harry's own jeans constrict. Of course, Severus being the over-doting father, made Sebastian wear the same thing.

Although same-sex marriage was allowed in both worlds, the muggle world isn't as welcoming to homosexuals as the wizarding world which Harry found a little ironic since he always thought the wizarding world was too far behind in terms of development. There were some who looked at them weirdly, a few looked disgusted, but there were also others who sent them encouraging nods and smiles especially when they saw how happy their little boy was.

It never bothered them, though. They just tried their best not to let Sebastian see the disapproval on other people's faces. Sebastian didn't seem to notice as he was very busy waving and smiling at the fishes as if they would wave back anytime soon. The three-year-old was having the time of his life watching all the creatures and beautiful aquarium displays.

"Daddy, look!" cried Sebastian happily. He was pointing above his head where a stingray had just passed by.

Harry smiled indulgingly at his son and held his hand all while he was still perched on Severus' shoulders. "That was a big one, wasn't it, love?"

"Very big, daddy," nodded the boy gravely before adding, "Like papa." Sebastian leaned over until his head was facing very close to Severus' face. Severus had to hold the boy's back carefully so he would not fall over. "You are very big, papa."

Sebastian's expression was so solemn and serious but both Harry and Severus can't help but smile. "I really must be if you say I am, little prince," said Severus, his eyes shining with devotion.

The boy only nodded and went back to gawk and gasp at every animal he saw. Severus had Harry pulled closer to him and held him by the waist, not caring of the few stares they received. Harry liked it and did not bother hiding his thoughts. He turned to Severus and softly pressed a kiss on his cheek.

"Papa, what's that?" asked Sebastian from up his shoulders.

Severus glanced a little at what his son was pointing at and saw it was directed to a small creature grasping its tail on a plant stem.

"That is called a seahorse, Sebastian," Severus informed. Harry initially requested a tour guide but Severus would not have any of it. He preferred they have the day all to themselves.

"Oh, it looks weird, papa," muttered the child. He then turned to look down at Harry and said, "Daddy, can we see turtles again?"

Harry gave a nod and a smile at Sebastian making him squeal happily. They passed by numerous sea turtles that morning and Sebastian fell in love with them right on the spot. He only used to look at them through his muggle Animals ABC book.

When they reached a part of the aquarium where there were green sea turtles swimming, Severus lifted the boy from his shoulders and placed him back on the ground.

Sebastian slowly walked over to the glass, head raised to watch the turtles with so much awe.

"Daddy, can I touch?" Sebastian asked Harry innocently, both palms flat on the aquarium glass and his face sticking very close to the surface.

"The turtles?" clarified Harry. At the boy's nod, he continued, "I am not sure we're allowed, Seb. Those turtles are very old and special. They might not want to be touched."

Harry hated saying no to Sebastian but there was no way Harry would use their money just to have their way. The little boy's face dropped a second but then smiled sadly, "It's okay, daddy. I just watch, don't want turtles hurt."

Both Severus and Harry's heart melted at Sebastian's words. Now, they really wanted to let their son touch a turtle. Merlin, they'd even get him one!

Little did they know a staff who was passing by, about to feed the turtles, saw the interaction. He had seen many children in his line of work who whined and demanded to touch and pet the creatures, and many more parents who felt like they can do whatever they like. It was quite refreshing to see the two men and he supposed was their son acknowledge that the creatures they have in the aquarium were real and not just meant for petting.

Deciding to indulge the little family, he approached them. "Excuse me, is he your son?" He asked.

Severus glanced at the man wearing gloves and a black polo shirt with the aquarium logo on. He arched his eyebrow curiously at his presence while Harry nodded with a smile. "Yes, he is."

Sebastian peered up at the man from his position close to the glass and waved a hand, an adorable smile on his face. The man can't help but wave back at the charming little boy.

"Do you work here, sir?" asked Harry.

The man nodded, "I'm Joe, the senior aquarist here in Sea Life. I've heard this little one wanted to touch the turtles."

Both parents nodded but it was Severus who answered, "Sebastian loves them but understands what he can and cannot do."

"Turtles awesome!" exclaimed the boy with a bright smile, not minding the fact that he was not allowed near one.

"Listen," whispered Joe to the parents, "I'm heading up to feed the turtles. You guys can come along. He can't touch them though because they bite but he can watch them up close."

Harry stared at the staff in surprise. "Are you sure that's alright? We'd love to but we don't want to impose."

The man only smiled and kneeled down to Sebastian's level. "You're Sebastian, right?" Sebastian nodded curiously, looking so much like his papa. "My name is Joe and I was just about to feed those turtles. Do you want to watch?"

The three-year-old's eyes lit up like a Christmas had come early. "Can I? Can I? Papa, I watch please?" He looked at Severus with pleading eyes. Severus would have agreed anyway. Sebastian really did not have to use those eye... Merlin, how would they ever say no to those eyes.

"It's 'May I', Sebastian, but yes, love, you may. Come now," said Severus softly. He leaned down and opened his arms so Sebastian can barrel in. He lifted the boy up to his hip and followed Harry and the kind staff.

"You have an adorable son, sir," commented Joe with a smile.

"Thank you, Joe. My name is Harry and that's Severus," said Harry, gesturing at the man behind them holding the child.

"I don't mean to be rude, but is he adopted?" asked Joe quietly, making sure he wasn't heard by the child or Harry's boyfriend/husband.

"No, surrogacy actually," replied Harry. He glanced back at his two men with a smile. It was their excuse every time they ventured into the muggle world. If anybody asked who provided the sperm, they'd tell it was Harry because Sebastian looked much more similar to him physically.

Joe also smiled, "I thought so. He does have your eyes."

They went up on the stairs into a big room with a view of the aquarium from above. Sebastian was giddy and squirming in Severus' arms but the father would not let go for fear Sebastian might fall into the water.

"Papa, down please," requested Sebastian.

"Not yet, little prince. I'm not sure it's safe," explained Severus, clutching on his son a little tighter.

Sebastian groaned dramatically, "I be careful, papa. Promise! I even hold your hand the whole time!"

Harry chuckled from beside him earning the man a jab on the rib. "Ow, Sev!"

"Serves you right," muttered Severus under his breath before turning back to Sebastian, "I will put you down but do not let go of my hand, understood?"

Sebastian grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, papa."

Severus sighed and carefully put Sebastian back on the ground, keeping a tight grip on his small hand.

Joe motioned for them to come closer. He was crouched to a kneeling position near the edge with two buckets of lettuce on his side. "Just stay beyond the yellow line for safety."

Harry held Sebastian's other hand and together they stepped towards the water to have a closer look at the turtles.

"Wow," gasped Sebastian in amazement. "Look, papa! They eat their greens!"

"That's right, love. So you better eat yours too," said Severus.

The little boy actually rolled his eyes, "I always eat them, papa."

Harry snorted and glanced down at Sebastian, "Yes, you do, darling but do not roll your eyes at papa."

Sebastian sighed apologetically, "Sorry, papa."

"I forgive you, my love," smiled Severus warmly, brushing his other hand over his son's hair. "Are the turtles better up close?"

"Uh-huh." Sebastian nodded seriously. "I like turtles."

The trio watched as Joe and another staff fed the turtles. Sebastian would gasp and giggle every time the turtle snaps it's teeth when eating the lettuce. The two workers humored their little guest and gasped with him, making Sebastian giggle some more.

After the feed, Severus and Harry thanked Joe and his companion immensely. Harry even invited them for dinner but both refused, saying it was fun watching Sebastian's wholesome reactions.

Harry gave them his muggle business card instead. "But if you do need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me. We really do thank you for indulging our little boy."

With that, Harry and Severus bid them goodbye with Sebastian back on Severus' arms, waving at them with a smile.

Joe and his co-worker gaped when they realized just who they were with. The Potters' muggle businesses were quite famous even in the muggle world, known to them only as PTR, a corporation best known for their many restaurant chains and retail stores.

Who would have thought the current owner of such a big company was one so young and modest?

A/N: I think same-sex marriage wasn't allowed in England until 2013 or 2014 but let's just assume it was allowed before then.