Chapter 32

"I do not see the point of all of these, Potter," grumbled Severus. His lips were pursed and brows wrinkled either in distaste or confusion of what he's seeing.

"Molly clearly instructed me to get your opinion on this, Severus," replied Harry, setting the pile on Severus' desk. "Be thankful I already went through these and took half I was sure won't suit your tastes."

Severus sputtered, "Half? Do you mean there were more of these? Merlin!"

Molly flooed over earlier that day and talked to Harry about the upcoming wedding. She would send over brochures and schedules for both of them: flowers, food, cake... everything. Severus barely had enough patience to deal with it. He got through it all though. He was there when Harry decided they'd have soft blue Hydrangeas and white roses for the flower arrangements. Severus kept his calm demeanor on when Molly had them try on their suits. He even faintly enjoyed the cake tasting and food course choosing.

But Severus did not understand why they needed this much to choose for their invitation. A simple owl would be sufficient. It was not like they were inviting people who were not within their social circle.

There were different textures of parchment, some he even believed was muggle. There were also different scripts used but that was one Severus already had a decision for. He wanted their invitation to be personally written by him.

He glanced up to Harry who was already looking at Severus with clear expectations. Harry wanted him to decide which... paper they would use for their invitation. He groaned under his breath and laid perhaps twenty different parchments across on his desk. Severus stood from his chair and tapped on his chin in thought.

A simple, smooth black sheet with gold accents caught his eye. It was elegant and pleasing to look at. Severus picked it up from the scattered parchments and handed it to Harry.

"This one, and tell Molly I will be sending the words tomorrow," informed Severus.

Harry took the black sheet with approval and triumph in his eyes, clearly expecting Severus to pick the same parchment. "You're writing it?" asked Harry in surprise.

"Obviously," droned Severus as if it was common knowledge. "These writings are atrocious and we can't have you write it. Your penmanship rivals Sebastian's."

Harry rolled his eyes, "It would have been so much better if somebody bothered teaching me how to use a quill in my first."

Severus gave a noncommittal hum, not really agreeing with his fiancé. Harry could have honestly learned over the years but his handwriting was still as messy as his nightmare of a hair.

"Molly will be coming over on Friday for the seating arrangements. You're not getting away this time, Sev."

Severus sighed but inclined his head in acknowledgment of his impending suffering. It was times like these Severus wished they eloped instead.


Christmas was in less than a month and Sebastian already had the contents of his letter prepared in his mind. The only problem was he didn't know how to write yet and he could not simply ask daddy or papa to write it for him this year. He wanted it to be a surprise for his parents.

Sebastian sighed hopelessly, swinging his short legs as he seated patiently on the couch in his papa's office. His daddy and papa had to go to the bank again for only a little while and asked Dippy to keep watch of him. Sebastian decided he stay inside papa's office and write his letter to Father Christmas. Papa said his office was very safe now.

"Young Master, Master Severus, and Master Harry want to remind you to eat your snacks," informed the trusted house-elf, carrying a bowl of fresh fruits and iced tea.

"Thank you, Dippy..." replied the 3-year-old gloomily, unable to hide his troubled dilemma.

"You are sad, Young Master. What can Dippy do to help the Young Master?" pleaded Dippy. All the house-elves including those who worked in Hogwarts simply adored Sebastian Potter, soon to be Potter-Prince. To see the little one sad made them sad as well.

Sebastian took a grape from the bowl and popped it in his mouth before looking back to the house-elf. "I want to write Father Christmas a letter but papa not teach me yet," pouted the boy.

"Dippy can help, Young Master! Dippy can charm a quill to write what you say. Wizards call it a dictaquill."

Sebastian's eyes widened in excitement, "Really? You can do that, Dippy? Oh, please, please, please!" The little boy gave the elf the biggest puppy eyes, palms together for emphasis.

The house-elf snapped her fingers and conjured a simple quill and charmed it to her Young Master's wishes. Dippy also provided the parchment and laid it all on the table in front of the boy.

"Thank you, Dippy!" beamed the child happily. The house-elf bowed and went back to dusting the shelves.

Sebastian got off the couch and knelt on the floor next to the table. He peered at the quill curiously. Dippy told him the quill would write on its own and he just needed to tell it what to write.

"Hello, Mr. Quill," said Sebastian. The quill floated right above the paper and dipped itself in the bottle of ink. Sebastian smiled.

Victoire told him her baby brother did not come for months and months, a very long time. Sebastian wished he asked for one last year instead so he could receive the baby brother right now but he supposed next Christmas would be okay too.

But what if Father Christmas gave him a baby sister instead? Sebastian didn't know what to do with a baby sister. Maybe if he gets a sister, he'd have to ask Tori how to take care of one. Tori knows lots and lots. He thought a baby sister didn't sound so bad. He liked Tori, and baby Stelli was very cute too... But still, a baby brother was something he really wanted.

Okay, here goes, thought Sebastian.

"Dear Father Christmas,

My name is Sebastian and I'm three now. Dippy, that's our house-elf, gave me this quill and it writes on its own! Daddy used to write my letters, you see... but Tori said parents should not know what I wish for. Why shouldn't daddy and papa know, Father Christmas?

Tori also said her mummy told her only good little children gets gifts from you. I've been a very good boy, Father Christmas. I helped daddy in his apocary. Daddy sells different potions and ingidients. And I am a good boy to papa too. I listen carefully and obey them and am respectful, Father Christmas.

I know Papa said babies can be boys or girls but this year, I'd really like a baby brother, please, so we can play with my blocks together and read stories with daddy and papa. We can play in the treehouse too and I promise to ask daddy and papa first. I'll even share my room and my toys!

I think daddy and papa wants a new baby too. Daddy likes to hold baby Stelli all the time and papa looks at daddy with smiles. They tell me having me was the best thing in the world and they're very happy. I want them to be more happy.

May I have a baby brother, Father Christmas? Tori said Louis stayed in their mummy's tummy for a long time. Will my baby brother stay in daddy's tummy too? I promise I will take care of him and make him smile every day. I will be the best big brother in the whole world!

Love, Sebastian."

Sebastian dashed to his papa's desk and climbed to his big chair so he could reach the top. Papa usually has Sebastian's crayons on his desk. He wanted to draw Father Christmas a picture of him and his papa and daddy, and his future little brother.

He reached out for the box of crayons and ran back to the table. The quill was still floating above the paper and Sebastian groaned, "Sorry, Mr. Quill. I finished already. Thank you!"

The quill then stopped hovering and dropped to the table. Sebastian laid out his crayons and pulled the paper closer to him. He was already an expert at drawing daddy, papa, and himself but he did not know how to draw his baby brother yet. He nibbled on his lower lip in concentration as he took the blue crayon and began adding a smaller stick figure between him and daddy. He made sure his little brother held his hand so Father Christmas will know how much Sebastian was going to protect his baby brother. He also drew their big house behind them so Father Christmas will know where to send the baby.

When he finished his drawing, he held it by both his hands and raised it to look at it closer. Feeling satisfied, he folded it in half and wrote his name on the front, the only word he knew how to write yet.

"Sebastian!" called his daddy from the slightly open double door.

Sebastian perked up at his name, placed his letter in his pocket, and quickly got to his feet. "Daddy! You back!"

Harry knelt to catch the running toddler in his arms, "Have you been a good boy?"

The three-year-old nodded enthusiastically and wrapped his little arms around Harry's neck. Harry stood with Sebastian clinging on him. Harry carried Sebastian to the drawing-room where Severus was waiting for them. He and Severus just returned from the bank to sign a few papers to set up their joint account. While the Potter-Prince account won't be official until their bonding day, they may be able to start redirecting their earnings and transfer some of their monies and properties. The moment they flooed home, the man suddenly decided they have dinner outside. When Harry asked what was the occasion, Severus only looked at him as if Harry was stupid.

"We do not need to have an occasion to have dinner, Harry."

So there they were, outside the magical Italian restaurant, Bella Bistro, dressed in casual clothing and checking for their reservations. While Harry went to get their son, Severus managed to get a house-elf to deliver his reservation notice to the owner, who apparently was a family friend of the Princes. In less than 10 minutes, the house-elf returned with a positive reply.

Severus strolled inside the restaurant behind Harry and Sebastian. If the people didn't already know they're together, they would have thought Severus was Harry Potter's personal bodyguard with the way the older man hovered over the younger man and his son.

The restaurant was unsurprisingly filled but not overwhelmingly so. For them to get a reservation in a nick of time was proof of their family name's power and connections. Not that it mattered, if any business owner or manager would receive a reservation from not one but two war heroes, especially two who were very much private with their lives, they simply cannot say no. Their presence alone would surely increase their popularity.

A waiter led them to a three-seater table complete with a booster for the toddler. Harry thanked the man and let him pour him and Severus a glass of Champagne, and juice for the little guy.

"What will you be having tonight, Lord Potter, Lord Prince," asked the waiter politely, using their titles instead, as ordered by the manager.

Severus glanced over the menu and hummed. "I will be having the Pasta Carbonara," said Severus, handing the menu back to the waiter before turning his head to Harry, "Harry?"

Harry tapped a finger on his chin and nodded, "I'll have your Lasagna and perhaps tiramisu for our desert. I think Sebastian will love the Broccoli-stuffed Ravioli, won't you, darling?"

Sebastian's eyes gleamed and bounced on his seat a little, "Broccoli, daddy!"

"That's a yes, then," chuckled Harry before handing his own menu to the waiter.

The man smiled at the trio, bowed, and then went on his way.

"Daddy," called Sebastian. Harry turned his head back to the boy and nodded for him to continue. "I wrote my letter to Father Christmas... will you send it for me?"

"Sure, love. Did papa help you write this?" asked Harry with a smile. He held out his hand to receive the folded letter with what he believed was "Seb" written in blue crayon in front.

Severus didn't help his son write the letter but he let the boy answer for himself. He folded his arms and leaned back on his chair with a small smile, looking at both his boys.

Sebastian shook his head and glanced a little at his papa who gave him a soft smile. "Dippy helped me. She made a quill write on its own!"

"I see," said Harry, amused. "Well, I better get this delivered to Father Christmas very soon then."

Sebastian nodded gravely, "Uh-huh. No reading it, daddy!"

Harry wanted to say he won't but didn't want to lie. Harry really had planned to read the letter so he could go and buy what his son wanted for Christmas.

Sensing the man's predicament, Severus intercepted. "Daddy won't be reading your letter, Sebastian. I will make sure of it." Severus sent Harry a smirk, telling Harry he had a plan on his cunning mind.

Sebastian sighed in relief, not thinking he hadn't really asked his papa not to read the letter too. While they do not like tricking their son, they do want to give him his Christmas wish. If only they knew what was waiting for them on one piece of parchment...


The next day, Harry had just flooed home from work when he saw both Ron and Hermione drinking tea with a sour-faced Severus. In his shock, he managed to let out a small squeak earning him a snort from his fiancé.

Harry scowled at the man and straightened his posture before turning to his best friends with a smile. "Hey, guys! I didn't know you're coming over," said Harry, moving closer to the pair.

"We sent you an owl, mate. Didn't you read it?" Ron asked as he set his cup down.

It took all of Harry not to blush. He did receive the letter last night but was way too horny to bother reading it and perhaps forgot all about it in the morning. He could actually feel Severus smirking behind him and desperately wanted to smack it off the man's face.

"Sorry 'bout that," mumbled Harry quietly. "So, what's this about then?" Harry changed the topic quickly, trying not to get them to dwell exactly why he had not read their letter.

Hermione's eyes were glowing in happiness. "We're having a baby!" She exclaimed happily.

Harry took about two seconds before crushing both of them in a hug. "Congratulations guys! How far along are you?"

"Thanks, Harry," smiled Ron, wrapping an arm around his wife. "About a month now. Our parents know but we told them to keep it a secret for a while. We wanted to tell you ourselves."

Severus cleared his throat and inclined his head towards the couple. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."

Hermione giggled, "Thank you, Severus, though it's actually Granger-Weasley"

Severus hid a smile but Harry could see the approval in his eyes. "Very well, Mrs. Granger-Weasley, then."

It was only then Harry noticed Sebastian wasn't with Severus. He glanced at the man and raised an eyebrow, "Where is Sebastian?"

"Napping," muttered Severus, leaning back on his chair and flipping the pages of his Potions Now magazine. "I reckon he will be up in the next half-hour."

Harry acknowledged Severus' answer with a small nod and turned back to his friends. He was very much happy to have another possible niece or nephew. Which reminds him...

"You know you promised to name your child from me, didn't you?" asked Harry with a smirk.

Hermione sent him a wink. The two actually talked about that already and were happy with the idea. They wanted to name Harry as the godfather and having their child's second name be after Harry was fitting.

"I know, mate. Shut up," said Ron. He was glad to do it but didn't want bis best friend to be all smug about it.

As the Golden Trio talked, Severus sat their seemingly unbothered and uncaring but in truth, he was also thinking about whether Harry would want to name their future child after himself. He supposed his lover wouldn't as he once told Severus he didn't want Sebastian (or any of his children, added Severus) to grow up under his shadow.

He also thought of what Harry would have felt when he heard of his best friend's news. Harry never said anything to him but he knew his future husband wanted another one. That much was evident on his face. It wasn't that he thought Harry was jealous of his friends, just that he could see the glint in Harry's eyes whenever they talk about babies or have one in his arms.

And Severus wasn't the only one who noticed that it seemed. Severus already read Sebastian's letter to Father Christmas earlier that day and decided not to tell Harry what it contained. Severus was astonished, to say the least, that their son wished for a baby brother. It was like their whole little family wished for the same thing and Severus was deeply touched by his little boy's letter.

That night, right when Severus and Harry laid together in bed, Harry tugged on Severus' hand. "Sev? Have you read Sebastian's letter yet?"

"Yes, I have," replied Severus in his deep voice, eyes already closed and ready to sleep.

Harry waited for him to continue but the man did not open his mouth again. "And...?" prompted Harry.

"And nothing, my love. I promised Sebastian you won't read his letter."

Harry groaned in frustration. It wasn't what he expected Severus to tell him. He expected the man to tell him Sebastian wanted a new little tent, or a trip to the aquarium, hell, he expected Severus to tell him Sebastian wanted a turtle.

"Sev!" whined Harry pathetically. "I won't read it, you're telling me."

"Still a no, Harry," smirked Severus. His eyes were still closed but if it wasn't, a mischievous glint should be shining on the onyx orbs.

Harry was about to protest not being able to give what Sebastian wished for Christmas when Severus shushed him.

"Hush, Harry. Do not worry about his Christmas gift, I'll get it for him for the both of us. You'll see soon," droned Severus.

Harry wanted to huff and annoy Severus until the man relented but he knew this was one of those things Severus would never back down. He folded his arms petulantly and rolled over to his side so his back was facing Severus.

Severus merely snorted at Harry's childishness. He rolled to his side as well and wrapped his arm around Harry's waist, snuggling closer until all of his front was pressed on his fiance's back. Severus pressed a soft kiss on Harry's neck, making the man sigh. Severus learned that Harry sometimes needs a little cuddle when he's being petulant and Severus was only pleased to give it to him.

"Don't think you're out of the dog house just because you give good cuddles, Snape," mumbled Harry sleepily.

Severus chuckled and tightened his hold on the man.

"Sleep, brat," droned Severus, but there was a faint curve on his lip.


A/N: How's everyone? I've been really busy from university but I do try to update as much as I can. Virtual learning is way worse than regular classes especially for architecture students like me in a country like where I am. My professors don't seem to understand we only have 24 hours in a day.

Anyway, what do you think of the story so far? The next chapters will all be family fluffs. I actually planned to have this as a sequel instead but decided against it.Thanks for the support!